Mark Tobey

Galerie Beyeler, Basel
Galerie Alice Pauli, Lausanne
Private Collection, Europe

Basel, Galerie Beyeler, Mark Tobey, January - March 1966
Hanover, Kestnergesellschaft, Mark Tobey, 19 May - 26 June 1966; catalogue, no. 121
Dallas, Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, Mark Tobey Retrospective, 20 March - 21 April 1968 
Basel, Galerie Beyeler, Tobey, 80th Birthday, December 1970 - February 1971
Lausanne, Galerie Alice Pauli, M. Tobey: Pour un centenaire, 12 December 1990 - 16 February 1991
Saint-Etienne, Musée d'Art Moderne, Entre la sérinité et l'inquiétude, 19 November 1993 - 31 January 1994

The colours are fairly accurate in the catalogue illustration. There are some tiny artist's pinholes along the edges, visible upon very close inspection only and inherent to the artists process, as well as some faint fold marks on the sheet visible by the edges, likely inherent to the laid down technique. Some tiny paint losses located by the right edge, on the bottom, are only visible under very close inspection. This work is in very good condition.
"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."

Blending Abstract Expressionism, Chinese calligraphy, Zen painting, Arabic and Persian writing, Mark Tobey’s work draws upon traditions that are as ancient as they are esoteric, universal and ecumenical. Throughout his career, Tobey sought in pure abstraction a means of communicating his beliefs to the world. Converted to the Bahaï religion, born from the Messianic Shiite movement in Iran in the 19th century according to which man realises himself through respect for goodness, justice and love, Mark Tobey continuously explored the representation of the spiritual in art. Between Chicago, New York, Paris, Constantinople, Beirut, Haïfa, Kyoto, Hong Kong… he travelled the world not only to visit the prestigious international art institutions which presented his work but also to nourish and enrich his practice. He thus developed a unique style within the artistic scene of his period. Through singular compositions in which white writing dances against enigmatic backgrounds in dense and saturated colours, Tobey created all-over spaces in which the gaze is lost. Vibrant, rhythmic, luminous and suggestive, Autumnal Fire is thus emblematic of the metaphysical quest of a man who endorsed the harmony between nature and humanity. All the internal sensibility of this artist can be found in this work, inviting contemplation and meditation.



Achim Moeller, Managing Principal of the Mark Tobey Project LLC, has confirmed the authenticity. The work is registered in the Mark Tobey archive with the number MT [231-4-10-18].