JOHN WESLEY | Captives

Thomas Erben Gallery, New York
Fredericks Freiser Gallery, New York
Acquired from the above by David Teiger in February 2001

This work is in very good condition overall. There is evidence of wear and handling to the edges, with an associated faint loss of pigment on the edge of the lower left corner. Throughout the surface, there are minor imperfections within the canvas fibers that cause irregularities to the paint, which are inherent to the artist's working method. Under Ultraviolet light inspection, there is no evidence of restoration. Unframed.
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.

"Wesley generates a great deal of sexual suggestiveness by very economic means. And in doing so, he produces a felicitous convergence of content and form as the sensuality of depicted skin and body – enlarged and brought visually close – is reflected in abstract pink colorfields, sinuous line, and severely cropped framing that concentrates compositional, as well as erotic, energy." Ken Johnson, "Troubled Toons," Art in America, Vol. 81., No. 2., February 1993, p. 76