- 21
Man Ray
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 EUR
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Man Ray
- Jeu d'échecs, 1972
- Signed with the initials MR and inscribed E.A. (on the red king)
- Thirty-two chess pieces in anodised red and silver aluminium, with a chess board and box covered in the original blue velvet lining.
- Chessboard : 34.2 by 34.2 cm, 13 1/2 by 13 1/2 in.
- Height of king : 5.8 cm, 2 1/4 in.
Exhibited
Tokyo, 2010, no. 261
Literature
Rome, 1973, p. 59
Florence, 1974, pl. 16
Penrose, 1975, no. 117, p. 176
Rome, 1975, no. 117, p. 176
Objets de mon affection, 1983, p. 161
Florence, 1974, pl. 16
Penrose, 1975, no. 117, p. 176
Rome, 1975, no. 117, p. 176
Objets de mon affection, 1983, p. 161
Condition
There are some light surface scratches to the pieces and to the Perspex board. Otherwise this work is in very good original 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."
"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
The game of chess served as an inspiration and a pastime throughout Man Ray’s career. He made his first set in New York in 1920, based on striking geometric forms, a theme he continued to develop throughout his career. Though he was a mediocre player (he called himself a “wood pusher”), Man Ray was drawn to the tactical and analytical aspects of the game. In addition to his own innovative designs for chess sets, he also incorporated motifs of the game into his paintings and photographs (see lots 225-232), inspired by the iconography of the pieces and the chess board that he called “the original goal of all graphic art, a field for clear thinking, impromptu imagination, surprise, planning for the abstract.” (quoted by Larry List in London, 2008-09, p.134).