Franz West

Kunsthalle Basel, Charity Auction, 12 September 1997 (donated by the artist)
Galerie Elisabeth & Klaus Thoman, Innsbruck
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality is slightly deeper in the original. Condition: This work is in very good condition. There are some media accretions and surface irregularities to the base which appear to be original. Extremely close inspection reveals a tiny and unobtrusive loss to a small impasto peak to the top of the sculpture.
"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."

"[Franz West] places the ambiguity of perception at the centre of his sculptural works. They can be many things at once, from a reworked object to a deformed head, a sexual metaphor... This conscious, improvised game using the indistinctness of optical impressions made by the objects leads to the many different layers of content, of ontological and existential associations, which lend West's sculptures their strength and excitement."
Robert Fleck
Franz West, London 1999, p. 44