ALFRED KUBIN | Prähistorische Büffel (Prehistoric Buffalo)

Maximilian (Max) & Hertha Morgenstern, Vienna (acquired from the artist)
Thence by descent to the present owners

Executed on cream wove paper, not laid down, and hinged to the mount in two places along the upper edge. There is a printed map on the reverse of the sheet. The upper, lower, and right edges are slightly unevenly cut and the left edge is deckled. There is some considerable wear (creases with associated paint loss) to all four corners, most prominently to the upper and lower right corners. The sheet is slightly time-stained and there are scattered foxing marks visible on the verso, as well as some staining, and old tape remnants relating to previous mounting. This work is in overall 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."

Prähistoriche Büffel depicts two animals, which have characteristics both of a bull but also of a bear. One lies in the foreground while the other paces in the distance. Here, Kubin is playing with Darwin’s theory of the struggle for existence and the struggle for mates. He creates a moment of suspense between the two creatures; will they become companions and procreate or will a hostile encounter ensue? Kubin’s graphic art is best known for probing the mysteries of human behaviour and the subconscious. These depictions of pre-historic animals are very much a product of the artist’s attempt to work out the complexities of our world, its species and human nature.



The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by Dr. Peter Assmann.