Paritosh Sen

Acquired directly from the artist

This painting could benefit from a light clean and there is minor frame rubbing around the edges of the work. In good overall condition, as viewed,
"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."

Paritosh Sen often had a satirical approach to his self-portraits. In the artist's own words "I have done self-portraits ever since I began my career as an artist, not because I was on an ego trip but because (a) I found my bone structure lending itself well to a formal reconstruction, and (b) initially I found it expressive of youthfulness and joy. Later on as I grew older and older, I found myself expressive of the deep anguish caused by the loss of youth and the decay of the flesh and heightened by the ironical feeling that arises from the tragic reality, when one discovers that desires are as green as ever but the body does not measure up to it. I think it is one of the greatest tragedies of old age.' (P. Sen, Paritosh Sen In Retrospect, Mapin Publishing Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad, 2001, p. 126)