Lot 254
  • 254

John Wesley

Estimate
150,000 - 200,000 USD
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Description

  • John Wesley
  • Herbalist
  • signed, titled and dated 2001 on the reverse 
  • acrylic on canvas
  • 60 by 52 in. 152.4 by 132.1 cm.

Provenance

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner circa 2001

Exhibited

London, Gagosian Gallery, John Wesley New Paintings, October - December 2001, illustrated in color
Los Angeles, Daniel Weinberg Gallery, John Wesley: Paintings 2000-2004 & Drawings from the 1960's, September - October 2004 

Literature

Germano Celant, John Wesley, Milan 2009, cat. no. 747, p. 437, illustrated in color

Condition

This work is in very good condition overall. There is evidence of light wear and handling along the edges most notably a dark abrasion on the left lateral edge approximately six inches above center. Under very close inspection, there are pinpoint white media accretions in the lower black and pinpoint dark accretions in the upper figures face all likely from the time of execution. Under extremely close inspection there is very fine hairline craquelure in the lower figures upper eyebrow. Please note that this work was not inspected out of its Plexiglas box and not inspected under Ultraviolet light. 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.
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.

Catalogue Note

“The destiny of Wesley’s painting, however, is distinguished by a space in which the battle between the forces of unconscious, the male and female, the naked and the clothed is waged. These forces fight for the attention of the artist as well as the viewer. The image is brought forth by obscure forces that are neverthess always floating in the field of desire.”
Germano Celant, “Sensual Appraisal,” in Exh. Cat., Venice, Fondazione Prada, John Wesley, 2009, p. XLII