L12021

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Lot 121
  • 121

Jan Fabre

Estimate
90,000 - 120,000 GBP
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Description

  • Jan Fabre
  • De Man die de Wolken Meet (The Man who Measures the Clouds)

  • inscribed with the artist's signature and numbered EA III/VI

  • polished bronze
  • 289 by 150 by 77cm.; 113 3/4 by 59 by 30 1/4 in.
  • Executed in 1998, this work is number 3 of 4 artist's proofs, aside from an edition of 8, 3 HC, 4 PP, 12 MP and an additional 4 casts.

Provenance

Galerie Ronny Van de Velde, Antwerp
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner in 2004

Literature

Giacinto Di Pietrantonio, Ed., Jan Fabre/Homo Faber, Ghent 2006, illustration of another example in colour, p. 14
Philippe Dagen, Ed., Jan Fabre, Les Bronzes, Paris 2006, pp. 17-55, illustration of another example in colour
Exhibition Catalogue, Otterlo, Kröller-Müller Museum, Jan Fabre: Hortus/Corpus, 2011, p. 1, 8-11, illustration of another example in colour on the front page

Condition

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality is deeper and richer in the original. Condition: This work is in very good condition. Upon close inspection, there are scattered spots of oxidization and light and superficial media accretions in places.There are a few light rub marks to the ends of the ruler.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

"[The Man Who Measures the Clouds] pays homage to my late brother, who was a dreamer. It expresses the feeling of planning the impossible, which is actually what the artist does. That figure symbolizes my trade. Artists attempt to get a grip on things, but it never quite works out as planned. Life is so fluid and flexible: today, we are no longer where we stood yesterday. The artist measures: he or she establishes connections—mental, physical, political, and philosophical rapports. I am constantly measuring these types of relationships—that is my duty as an artist. As an artist, I constantly measure the clouds."

The artist in conversation with Michaël Amy in: 'Measuring the Clouds: A Conversation with Jan Fabre', Sculpture, March 2004, Vol. 23, no. 2