Françoise Gilot

Fée Hellès, Paris 
Thence by descent to the present owner

Paris, Galerie Cardo-Matignon (from a label on the stretcher)

The medium is oil on canvas. The canvas is not lined. There is a small dent in the canvas above the figure. There is a small scratch in the central portion of the canvas, in the greens to the left of the figure's head. There is some minor surface dirt. Under UV light there is no apparent inpainting. The work presents very well.
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.

Fée Helles taught a dance method inspired by Martha Graham and Isadora Duncan. Françoise Gilot began studying with her when she was fifteen and continued for thirty years. Lots 78 and 79 were acquired by Fée Hellès in Paris, and were later in the collection her daughter Maia Hellès Aaron, who taught the same dance method as her mother, in New York.