Fernand Léger

Private Collection (acquired directly from the artist)
Private Collection (by descent from the above; sale: Artcurial,  Paris, 20th October 2007, lot 36)
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Gilles Néret, Fernand Léger, Paris, 1990, no. 234, illustrated in colour p. 177
Georges Bauquier, Fernand Léger. Catalogue raisonné, Paris, 1998, no. 990, illustrated in colour p. 31

Oil on paper laid down on canvas. There is a layer of varnish preventing the UV light from fully penetrating but there appear to be some small lines of retouching to the upper part of the cross and to the blue pigment to the left of it (the longest of which is 2cm.), two small retouchings to the centre area of the pearls (2cm. & 1.5cm.) and two further small lines to the base of the cross and to the right of the lowest pearl. There are also two small lines of retouching to the black pigment to the left of the centre of the right edge. There are some tiny paint losses to the top and bottom of the black shape towards the left edge. There are some remnants of gold paint from the previous frame along the lower and right edges and a few minor fly spots. Otherwise this work is in good condition.
"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."