Details

Provenance

Estate of the artist M. Knoedler & Co., Inc., New York Irving Galleries, New York (acquired from the above in 1981) Perls Galleries, New York (acquired from the above in 1981) Sotheby's, New York, May 8, 1996, Lot 22 Private Collection, New York and Florida Thomas Ammann Fine Art, Zurich Acquired by the present owner from the above in 1999

Exhibited

New York, Perls Galleries, Alexander Calder "1960," March - April 1960, cat. no. 3, pp. 8-9, illustrated (line drawing representing

Literature

"A Sculptor of Mobiles," London Times , July 4, 1962, illustrated John M. Nash, "Sculptures driven by motors," Yorkshire Post , July 16, 1962, illustrated Edward Lucie Smith, "Many dimensions," The Listener , July 19, 1962, illustrated Exh. Cat., Saint-Paul de Vence, Fondation Maeght, Calder , 1969, pp. 46 and 71, illustrated Condition This sculpture is in very good condition, structurally sound and stable. It has recently been repainted, following removal of previous paint layers, under the supervision of Abigail Mack, in consultation with Calder Restoration. The new matte paint surface is slightly dusty overall and exhibits some slight handling marks from installation. 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.

Catalog summary

Alexander Calder The Tree signed with the artist's monogram and dated 60 painted metal standing mobile 84 x 120 x 54 in. 213.4 x 304.8 x 137.2 cm. Executed in 1960, this work is registered in the archives of the Calder Foundation, New York, under application number A02100. Provenance Estate of the artist M. Knoedler & Co., Inc., New York Irving Galleries, New York (acquired from the above in 1981) Perls Galleries, New York (acquired from the above in 1981) Sotheby's, New York, May 8, 1996, Lot 22 Private Collection, New York and Florida Thomas Ammann Fine Art, Zurich Acquired by the present owner from the above in 1999 Exhibited New York, Perls Galleries, Alexander Calder "1960," March - April 1960, cat. no. 3, pp. 8-9, illustrated (line drawing representing exhibited sculpture) London, Tate Gallery, Alexander Calder: Sculpture - Mobiles , July - August 1962, cat. no. 68 (organized by the Arts Council of Great Britain) New York, M. Knoedler & Co., Inc., Alexander Calder - Fernand Leger , October 1979, cat. no. 10, p. 17, illustrated in color Literature "A Sculptor of Mobiles," London Times , July 4, 1962, illustrated John M. Nash, "Sculptures driven by motors," Yorkshire Post , July 16, 1962, illustrated Edward Lucie Smith, "Many dimensions," The Listener , July 19, 1962, illustrated Exh. Cat., Saint-Paul de Vence, Fondation Maeght, Calder , 1969, pp. 46 and 71, illustrated Condition This sculpture is in very good condition, structurally sound and stable. It has recently been repainted, following removal of previous paint layers, under the supervision of Abigail Mack, in consultation with Calder Restoration. The new matte paint surface is slightly dusty overall and exhibits some slight handling marks from installation. 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.