JEAN DUBUFFET | Barbe des longues attentes

Galerie Rive Gauche, Paris
Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Warner Muensterberger, New York (acquired from the above in 1960)
Bianchini Gallery, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner in April 1967

Max Loreau, Ed., Catalogue des travaux de Jean Dubuffet: Fascicule XV, as-tu ceuilli la fleur de barbe, Paris 1964, cat. no. 22, p. 24, illustrated
Lorenza Trucchi, Jean Dubuffet, Rome 1965, cat. no. 217, p. 238, illustrated
Barbara Majewska, Sztuka inna, sztuka ta sama: Dubuffet, de Staël, Wols, Pollock, Varsovie 1974, cat. no. 19, illustrated

This work is in very good condition overall. There are several artist's pinholes along the edges and corners and the top edge of the sheet is deckled. All the collaged elements appear stable and intact. Under raking light, scattered shiny minor spots of glue residue are visible and are inherent to the artist's chosen medium and working method. Under close inspection of the reverse of the sheet, there is scattered, pinpoint evidence of foxing that is not intrusive to the front of the sheet. The sheet is hinged verso to the mat along the top and bottom edges. 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.

"Some of the Barbes...look like gravel runs and have that geological feeling inherent in so much of Dubuffet’s work. Some resemble great rock formations or age-old boulders predating man’s presence on this planet. Or they appear to be survivors of ancient barbaric–that is to say, bearded–civilizations. Their shapes recall the Menhirs of Stonehenge and the Winged Bulls from Assyrian palaces. The beard is the ageless symbol of manhood, and most cultures worshiped bearded divinities such as the Greek earth gods...It is the memory of these archetypes that Dubuffet now evokes."
Peter Selz, The Work of Jean Dubuffet, New York 1962, p. 149