SERGE POLIAKOFF | Composition abstraite

Galerie der Spiegel, Cologne
Galerie Marbach, Bern
Private Collection, Paris (acquired circa 1975)

Paris, 7ème Salon des Réalités Nouvelles, 1952
Paris, Galerie Melki, Serge Poliakoff, 12 November - 8 January 1992; catalogue, n.p., no. 11, illustrated in colour

Art d'aujourd'hui, no. 6, August 1952, Paris, p. 27, illustrated
Maisons et Jardins, no. 237, October 1977, p. 111, illustrated in colour
Alexis Poliakoff, Serge Poliakoff, Catalogue Raisonné Volume I, 1922-1954, Paris, 2004, p. 391, no. 51-76, illustrated in colour

The colours are fairly accurate in the printed catalogue illustration although the overall tonality is deeper in the original work. The tonality of the beige area is warmer in the original work. The work is executed on its original canvas and is not relined. There are some superficial cracks located along the upper edge close to the rim which have resulted in tiny losses on the edge, some of which have been carefully restored. There are some light superficial rub marks visible in the red area, also visible in the catalogue illustration. Under UV light, there are some small dots of old restoration visible in the blue area and at the extremities of the upper and lower right corners. This work is in 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."

Caption: Première exposition de Composition abstraite (le présent lot) au Salon des Réalités nouvelles à Paris en 1952 © ADAGP Paris "Si vous prenez une règle pour faire un carré, il meurt."
"If you use a ruler to draw a square, it will die."
Serge Poliakoff