Alexander Archipenko

Zabriskie Gallery, New York
Barbara Guggenheim Associates, Inc., New York 
Peter B. Lewis, New York (acquired from the above on April 4, 1985)
Acquired from the estate of the above

Alexander Archipenko, Alexander Archipenko, 50 Creative Years, New York, 1960, no. 158, illustration of another cast n.p.
Archipenko, ein internationaler Visionär (exhibition catalogue), Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C., 1969, no. 46, illustration of another cast p. 75
Donald Karshan, Achipenko: Sculpture, Drawings and Prints, 1908-1963, Bloomington, 1985, no. 72, illustration of another cast pp. 136-37
Alexander Archipenkos Erbe Werke von 1908 bis 1963 aus dem testamentarischen Vermächtnis (exhibition catalogue), Moderne Galerie des Saarland-Museums, Saarbrücken, 1986, no. 71, illustration of the plaster version p. 157
Annette Barth, Alexander Archipenkos plastisches oeuvre, vol. II, Frankfurt, 1997, no. 199, illustration of the plaster version p. 361

This work is in very good condition. The silver plating is in very good condition considering its age and displays a uniform reflective finish. The plating is thin in several areas where it appears slightly darker however this is consistent with its age. A tiny crescent-shaped loss in plating was noted on the figure’s back. On the back of the head and back hip minor inconsistency in the plating can be seen when viewed up closed. On the front of the figure a ¼” horizontal nick was observed on the proper left thigh and on the proper left tip of the arm, while on the back of the figure a ¼” nick and adjacent fine circular scratch was found on the extended leg. Tiny pinholes can be seen scattered throughout the surface, which are inherent to the cast.
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.

Silver Torso is the culminating work in Archipenko’s series on the theme of a woman combing her hair, which he began in 1913. According to Donald Karshan, “this version of the theme is the only one to explore the brilliant reflectivity of the silver plate” (Donald Karshan, Achipenko: Sculpture, Drawings and Prints, 1908-1963, Bloomington, 1985, p. 134).