Wifredo Lam (1902-1982)

Galleria Gissi, Turin
G. Mazzoleni, Turin
Galleria Notizie, Turin
G. and E. Martinetto, Turin
Galleria Noticia, Pistoia
Claudio Poleschi, Lucca
Sale: Sotheby's, New York, Latin American Paintings, Drawings, and Sculpture, Part I, May 17, 1994, lot 50, illustrated in color
Sale: Sotheby's, New York, Latin American Art, May 29, 2002, lot 16, illustrated in color

Turin, Galleria Gissi, Lam, 1978
Rome, Villa Médicis; Milan, Palazzo de la Permanente, Wifredo Lam ou l'Éloge du Métissage, November 26, 1992-March 15, 1993, p. 113, illustrated in color

Lou Laurin-Lam, Wifredo Lam, Catalogue Raisonné of the Painted Work, Volume I, 1923-1960, Lausanne, 1996, no. 55.37, p. 462, illustrated

This canvas is unlined. It has been re-stretched onto a mechanical stretcher which is supporting the canvas well. The paint layer has most likely never been cleaned, nor should it be, there is no varnish on the surface and there seem to be no retouches. There is one vertical line in the center background in the lower half of the composition which could in theory be a later development, but given Lam's unique and eccentric technique, it is just as likely to be original. The painting should be hung as is. This condition report has been provided courtesy of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.