Louis le Brocquy, H.R.H.A.

Gifted by the Artist and thence by descent to the previous owner
Their sale, Sotheby's London, 24th October 2006, lot 6
Private Collection

The sheet appears to be sound and the work in good overall condition. A small spot of studio detritus near centre of lower edge. Held under glass in a wooden box frame with a cream mount; unexamined out of frame. Good condition, ready to hang. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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."

Le Brocquy began painting still lifes in the early 1940s with works such as Still Life with Book and Penny (1941), painted using the traditional representational style characteristic of his early works. The present work was probably executed circa 1945 when the artist had become interested in analytical and synthetic cubism that he would have seen first hand at Picasso's exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London in 1945. He was also inspired by the underlying geometry evident in Cézanne's still lifes such as Still Life with Apples (circa 1895-98, Coll. Museum of Modern Art, New York).