Man Ray

Private Collection, Paris
Private Collection, United Kingdom (a gift from the above circa 1970)
Thence by descent to the present owner

Executed on cream wove paper, not laid down, attached to a sheet of paper along the right-hand edge, which is hinged to the overmount along its upper edge. There is a vertical crease down the centre of the work, probably inherent to the artist's working process, and a further few very faint creases to the lower right corner, and lower left edge. There is some evidence of glue staining to the extreme right edge showing through from the verso, and some associated small paper remnants and paper skinning to this right-hand edge (none visible when framed). Otherwise, this work is in overall good condition. Colours: overall fairly accurate in the printed catalogue, though the paper tone is slightly less red in the original.
"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."

The present work relates to the oil painting Pisces, also of 1938, in the permanent collection of the Tate Modern, London.