RICHARD SERRA | L-1

Gagosian Gallery, New York
Private Collection, New York
David Zwirner, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner

This work is in very good condition overall. The sheet is hinged verso intermittently along the edges to the backing board. There are artist pinholes in all four corners. The edges of the sheet are deckled, particularly strong along the top edge. There is minor hairline cracking in some of the thickest areas of oil paint. There is evidence of faint oil staining around the circular black form, inherent to the chosen medium and artist's working method. The oilstick accumulations appear secure and intact. All surface texture and marks in the margins are inherent. Framed.
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.

"Few artists have pushed drawing to such sculptural and even architectural extremes as Richard Serra. He has magnified the medium with immense black shapes that sit directly on the wall, their absorptive darkness forcing the space around them to expand or contract. Using black oil paintstick, he has exaggerated drawing’s physical surface, creating expanses of texture that have the rough tactility of bark, or massing dark, roiled spheres as thick as mud pies.”
Roberta Smith, “Sketches From the Man of Steel,” New York Times, 14 April 2011, p. C27