Details

Provenance

The Alan Gallery, New York Robert Miller Gallery, New York

Exhibited

Greensboro, The University of North Carolina, Weatherspoon Art Gallery, Art on Paper , November - December 1983 Oslo, The National Museum of Contemporary Art; Stockholm, Modern Museum; Ishøj, Arken Museum of Modern Art, Robert Smithson Retrospective: Works 1955 - 1973 , February 1999 - January 2000, cat. no. 6 Los Angeles, The Museum of Contemporary Art; The Dallas Museum of Art; New York, Whitney Museum of American Art, Robert Smithson , September 2004 - October 2005, p. 11, illustrated in color Condition This work is in good condition overall. The edges of the collaged elements are lifting slightly and there is evidence of general wear and handling. The exposed paper has darkened with age. The edges of the work exhibit scattered small tears and losses. Under ultraviolet light inspection there is no evidence of restoration. Framed. 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. Catalogue Note In 1960, gallerist George Lester first encountered Smithson's paintings after spotting the present work, Quicksand , in the window of Charles Alan's gallery in New York. Captivated and intrigued by the work, Lester tracked down the artist and gave him his second solo show at the Galleria Lester in Rome. Smithson's drawings and paintings from this early period, influenced by his experiences in Rome, are in direct dialogue with his later earthworks both through his choice of palate and the role of the earth in his art, addressing the angst and tumultuous nature of society through religious iconography.

Catalog summary

Robert Smithson Quicksand titled on the reverse; dated Lower East Side Summer 1959 on the stretcher oil and collage on paperboard 28 1/2 by 22 1/2 in. 72.4 by 57.2 cm. Provenance The Alan Gallery, New York Robert Miller Gallery, New York Exhibited Greensboro, The University of North Carolina, Weatherspoon Art Gallery, Art on Paper , November - December 1983 Oslo, The National Museum of Contemporary Art; Stockholm, Modern Museum; Ishøj, Arken Museum of Modern Art, Robert Smithson Retrospective: Works 1955 - 1973 , February 1999 - January 2000, cat. no. 6 Los Angeles, The Museum of Contemporary Art; The Dallas Museum of Art; New York, Whitney Museum of American Art, Robert Smithson , September 2004 - October 2005, p. 11, illustrated in color Condition This work is in good condition overall. The edges of the collaged elements are lifting slightly and there is evidence of general wear and handling. The exposed paper has darkened with age. The edges of the work exhibit scattered small tears and losses. Under ultraviolet light inspection there is no evidence of restoration. Framed. 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. Catalogue Note In 1960, gallerist George Lester first encountered Smithson's paintings after spotting the present work, Quicksand , in the window of Charles Alan's gallery in New York. Captivated and intrigued by the work, Lester tracked down the artist and gave him his second solo show at the Galleria Lester in Rome. Smithson's drawings and paintings from this early period, influenced by his experiences in Rome, are in direct dialogue with his later earthworks both through his choice of palate and the role of the earth in his art, addressing the angst and tumultuous nature of society through religious iconography.