Naum Gabo

Commissioned directly from the Artist by Mrs Joan Burnett in 1944, and thence by descent

Steven A. Nash and Jörn Merkert, Naum Gabo, Sixty Years of Constructivism, Including Catalogue Raisonné of the Constructions and Sculptures, Prestel-Verlag, Munich, 1985, cat. no.48.6, p.230.

The present condition report has been prepared by Plowden & Smith Ltd., 190 St Ann's Hill, London, SW18 2RT. Two of the corners of the piece have at some time been broken and rebound. There is one break to the lower left corner and two breaks to the upper right corner. All the repairs are visible, having yellowed over time and one in particular is very brown and disfiguring. There is excess glue on some areas and some small, discoloured globules along the strings. In at least two cases the repairs are stepped along the bonded edge. The piece is dirty overall. Due to the tensions created by the strings, it is not recommended that the repairs are dismantled and re-bound more discreetly and with better alignment. However, it is very likely that these repairs could be tidied up a bit to improve the aesthetic appearance by removing or thinning some of the discoloured adhesive. The adhesive would have to be mechanically removed as no solvents can be applied to the Perspex. It is recommended that the piece be very carefully cleaned overall, including all the strings. Examined outside of studio conditions. Housed on a black Perspex base. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present lot.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Accompanied by correspondence from the artist to the original owner relating to the work.