L12101

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Lot 15
  • 15

František Kupka

Estimate
22,000 - 28,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • František Kupka
  • Three illustrations for Les Erinnyes by Leconte de Lisle: (i) Le Char; (ii) Les Precedents, le Veilleur; (iii) L'Acropole d'Argos
  • each: signed Kupka lower right
  • each: watercolour, gouache, pen and ink and pencil on paper
  • (i) 34.5 by 24cm., 13½ by 9½in. (sheet size); 18.5 by 19cm., 7¼ by 7½in. (image size) (ii) 34.5 by 24cm., 13½ by 9½in. (sheet size); 17.5 by 20cm., 7 by 8in. (image size) (iii) 34.5 by 24cm., 13½ by 9½in. (sheet size); 24 by 17cm., 9½ by 6¾in. (image size)

Condition

Unexamined out of frame and under glass. Each executed on wove paper. There is a very slight scratch on the sheet (but not on the image) in (iii), visible only under close inspection. The works are overall in good, fresh original condition. The colours in 'Le Char' are slightly less red than in the catalogue illustration. There is a light impression in a 28 by 20cm rectangle around each image, presumably as a guide for the artist. There is a pencil number inscription to the lower left of the image: '8' in 'Le Char', and '7' in 'Les Precedents, Le Veilleur'. Each held in a decorative gold-painted carved wood and plaster frame, under glass.
"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

Executed in 1906-08.

The poem Les Erinnyes by Leconte de Lile was published in 1908 by Romagnol and featured 25 illustrations by Kupka. The present lot and lots 16, 17 and 18 comprise ten of the original 25 watercolours on which the book illustrations were based.