Alexandra Exter

Acquired by the mother of the present owner directly from the artist

The work is overall more yellow than in the illustration in the printed catalogue. Left panel: The support has been mounted on a wooden stretcher. There are vertical cracks throughout the composition and faint horizontal cracks visible though the paint layer. There are knots in the upper right and lower left. There is a stain in the upper right along the top edge and there are further stains in the background to the left of the upright figure and another in the foot of the male figure. There are scuff marks in places. There is a layer of surface dirt. Inspection under UV light reveals minor scattered retouching. Central panel: The support has been mounted on a wooden stretcher. There are cracks across the composition, mostly vertical. There are surface scratches and flecks of minor paint loss in places. There is a layer of surface dirt and spots of staining in places. Inspection under UV light reveals retouching to the face of the figure in the lower right, to the white shadow in the centre as well as scattered retouching to the background. Right panel: The support has been mounted on a wooden stretcher. There are fine vertical cracks across the composition and one faint horizontal crack visible through the paint layer. There is a fleck of paint loss to the top of the right edge. There are scuff marks in places. There is a layer of surface dirt. Inspection under UV light reveals minor scattered retouching.
"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."

The present triptych was most likely intended as wall panels for an interior and bears testament to Exter’s unending creativity in spite of the adversity she faced in later life. The design seems to hark back to a world of eternal youth and beauty, and the figures which dance across its surface are playful, dynamic and forcefully silhouetted, recalling Exter’s interest in both Purism and classical antiquity.