Cindy Sherman

Executed in 1984-90, this work is number 10 from an edition of 12 plus 2 artist's proofs.

Ikon Ltd. Contemporary Art, Santa Monica
Metro Pictures, New York
Marc Jancou Fine Art, New York
Private Collection
Sotheby's, London, February 13, 2014, lot 395
Acquired from the above sale by the present owner

This work is in very good condition overall. The right edge of the paper is not perfectly straight. presumably inherent to the artist's working method. Laid down on the backing board. Framed under Plexiglas.
"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."

"I took out the pajamas and a couple of other eccentric things that I'd been saving, although I didn't have any particular thing I could apply them to. Then, when I started looking up clown pictures on line, I realised I could almost use anything, any item of clothing, T-shirts, jeans, and it could be a clown. And I had a couple of multicoloured wigs that I'd never used for a picture. So many things suddenly made sense for the clowns, for the whole idea. I'd been going through a struggle, particularly after 9/11; I couldn't figure out what I wanted to say. I still wanted the work to be the same kind of mixture – intense, with a nasty side or an ugly side, but also with a real pathos about the characters – and [clowns] have an underlying sense of sadness while they're trying to cheer people up. Clowns are sad, but they're also psychotically, hysterically happy."
Cindy Sherman (cited in Betsy Berne, "Studio: Cindy Sherman" in Tate Magazine, No. 5, May - June 2003)