L12101

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Lot 131
  • 131

Nicos Hadjikiriakos-Ghika

Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 GBP
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Description

  • Nicos Hadjikiriakos-Ghika
  • Grey Santorini
  • signed and dated GHIKA 62 lower left; signed, dated and titled GREY SANTORIN GHIKA 1962 on the reverse and signed Hatzikyriakos Ghikas on the stretcher
  • oil on canvas
  • 114 by 152cm., 45 by 59¾in.

Exhibited

Athens, Benaki Museum, Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika, The Apollonian-the Dionysian, 2006-07, no. 226, illustrated in the catalogue

Literature

'N. Hadjikiriakos-Ghika', in Eleutherotipia, 2009, pp. 108-9, illustrated
Kleanthi-Christina Valkana, Nicos Hadjikiriakos-Ghika, Paintings, Athens, 2011 [2012], p. 194, mentioned; p. 296, no. 317, illustrated

Condition

Original canvas. Some of the pigments fluoresce under ultraviolet light, but these appear to be the artist's original pigments and not retouching. Apart from a minor 5cm scratch in the centre near the lower edge, this work appears to be in good original condition. Held in a narrow gold-painted wooden frame.
"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

Painted in 1962, Grey Santorini is a prime example of Ghika's lyrical depictions of the Greek landscape he so admired, with the introduction of a sinuous line and lyrical dynamic. Labyrinthine lines depicting the rugged Santorini coastline snake across the canvas, plunging towards the sea. This pulsing and contorted landscape is a familiar idiom in the oeuvre of Ghika, but his distinctively poetic geometry is cast aside for an even more emotional and directly descriptive rendering.

The present work's beauty lies in the dynamism of its surface and the light palette, as well as in the distortion of a landscape into decorative and visually-satisfying planes of abstraction. The origami-like quality of a seemingly folding and unfolding canvas adds a strong sense of movement.