HOWARD HODGKIN | Menu Design for Chanterelle

The card appears to be stable with a very small number of light creases and scratches at the upper and lower edges, with one long horizontal ridge running from the lower edge to the upper green shape, approximately 5 cm from the left edge. There is an incredibly fine pattern of craquelure in some of the thicker areas of paint in the green and red pigment, only visible upon extremely close inspection. There is an area of uneveness to the centre of the right hand edge, in keeping with the Artist's intentions. There is some extremely faint evidence of studio matter. This excepting the work appears to be in excellent overall condition with strong passages of colour. The work is held within a simple wooden frame behind glass. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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."

Hodgkin created the present work to be used as the menu card for a special dinner at Chanterelle, New York, on Tuesday 28th May, 1996, hosted by Annie Leibovitz and Anna Wintour to benefit the Mark Morris Dance Group with a performance by Yo Yo Ma. The work is sold with the menu and dinner invitation.