René Crevel

Barry Friedman, New York
Sotheby’s New York, The Collection of Barry Friedman, November 19, 1992, lot 203
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Overall very good condition. Please note the measurements as this is a large scale work. This carpet by Crevel is an incredibly rare work to appear on the auction market by the artist and displays his signature and unique artistic vision. Crevel died as a young man and as a result he completed a very small number of works. When viewed first hand, the carpet is slightly less saturated, very slightly darker and the orange hues adjacent to the border are slightly more mustard in hue in comparison to the catalogue illustration. The pile measures approximately 1/8 inch. The wool is lightly matted down to knotheads that is consistent with gentle use in a carpet with pile this low. The foundation with minor areas of oxidation, most visible in the darkest areas of the field and the edges of the surround. With evidence of minor folding from recent storage. Some minute scattered former moth damage that reveal the foundation. Two, approximately 2.5 feet long, vertical re-piled foldwear slits to upper portion of the carpet, which have been sensitively undertaken. A few minor scattered slits to the carpet and a few minute holes, the largest ½ inch in diameter. Scattered minor discolorations, light staining, surface dirt and some furniture marks. Sides with original selvages, flatwoven ends folded under and sewn. Reverse with recent backing. The carpet with supple handle and sound fabric throughout. In the opinion of our carpet specialist, this carpet would benefit greatly from a professional cleaning and light restoration. Since the acquisition in the Barry Friedman auction, this carpet has spent most the time covered from the sun and that care is evident in its current condition. A wonderful work of art when viewed firsthand displaying an intricate abstracted landscape motif with richly saturated colors. ---
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

René Crevel, a youth amongst his artistic peers, was a handsome, tragic figure full of passion, creativity and nostalgia. He was a devout follower of André Breton and the Surrealists, but also found guidance in the principles of Communism. His works exhibited his affinity for the earlier Fauve painters from whom he drew both significant artistic and theoretical inspiration.  Crevel exercised his diverse skills when he collaborated with Paul Follot to design modernist tapestries for the 1925 Exposition des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Moderne in Paris.  His political views and open bisexuality made Crevel a polarizing figure amongst the artists of the time. Tragically, Crevel took his own life just before his 35^th birthday, and left behind only a small number of masterworks in the disciplines of ceramics, tapestry design and the literary arts.  The present lot demonstrates Crevel’s boldly innovative aesthetic and artistic expertise in this magnificent large scale carpet.