- 23
Man Ray
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 EUR
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Man Ray
- Natural Painting, ca. 1958-65
- Signed Man Ray (towards the lower right).
- Acrylic on masonite in a frame painted by the artist.
- 18.7 by 23.8 cm, 7 3/8 by 9 3/8 in.
Natural Painting
Oil on masonite
7 1/2h x 9 1/4w
Estimate: €4,000 - 6,000
Oil on masonite
7 1/2h x 9 1/4w
Estimate: €4,000 - 6,000
Condition
The masonite board is sound. The impasto is intact and there is no evidence of retouching under UV light. This work is in excellent 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
Between 1958 and 1965, Man Ray experimented with rapid drying acrylic paint and developed the “automatic” brushless painting technique whereby he applied paint in heavy patches to a board or panel, and pressed a second panel to the first, often by sitting on them. When the panels were separated, the artist could obtain abstract colourful effects with a heavy impasto. Sometimes the result would leave a sufficient amount of pigment on each panel to produce two works, mirror images of each other, such as lot 249.
“I sought a new technique that would be more automatic as when a seed or sapling is planted and the forces of nature are counted on to do the rest. By spreading the colours according to the impulse of the moment, I abandoned brushes and palette knives, and applied pressure with other surfaces, withdrawing them to produce a variation of the Rorschach test. The results were astonishing, with details that could have been obtained only through long and meticulous labour by hand. I gave these productions the general title of Natural Paintings.” (Autoportrait, 1964, p. 343)
“I sought a new technique that would be more automatic as when a seed or sapling is planted and the forces of nature are counted on to do the rest. By spreading the colours according to the impulse of the moment, I abandoned brushes and palette knives, and applied pressure with other surfaces, withdrawing them to produce a variation of the Rorschach test. The results were astonishing, with details that could have been obtained only through long and meticulous labour by hand. I gave these productions the general title of Natural Paintings.” (Autoportrait, 1964, p. 343)