Details

Provenance

Pace Gallery, New York Marieluise Hessel, New York (acquired from the above in 1989) Christie's, New York, May 14, 2003, Lot 33 (consigned by the above) Acquired from the above by the present owner

Exhibited

New York, Pace Gallery, John Chamberlain: New Sculpture , February - March 1989, n.p., no. 8, illustrated in color (in multiple orientations) Utica, Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute, Sculpture from the Rivendell Collection , September 1990 - September 1992

Literature

"Goings On About Town," The New Yorker , Vol. 56, March 1989, p. 12 (text) Fielding Dawson, "Self Portrait in Steel: A Talk with John Chamberlain," Arts Magazine , Vol. 64, April 1990, p. 55, illustrated in color Condition This sculpture is in excellent condition and appears structurally sound. The scattered signs of wear, such as scratches, rust, and paint losses, are inherent to the nature of the found materials and the artist's process. The joins and welds all appear to be sound and secure. The dark blue-green horizontal at the front of the sculpture, 25 inches up from the bottom, has a weld that is not intact but there is a 2 inch gap between the previously joined parts that cannot be reunited in its present construction, so it does not appear that this old weld is related to the final composition. As is to be expected in a work of this construction, the work is slightly dusty overall, primarily in the deepest folds and crevices. 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 “Chance and casual freedom seem to exceed the order within the work. Reality seems more capricious than any order it holds. This disparity between reality and its order is the most radical and important aspect of Chamberlain’s sculpture.” Donald Judd, August, 1964 quoted in Exh. Cat., New York, Pace Gallery, John Chamberlain: New Sculpture , February – March 1989, p. iv

Catalog summary

John Chamberlain Sprayed Myopia painted and chromium plated steel 87 by 57 by 50 in. 221 by 144.8 by 127 cm. Executed in 1988. Provenance Pace Gallery, New York Marieluise Hessel, New York (acquired from the above in 1989) Christie's, New York, May 14, 2003, Lot 33 (consigned by the above) Acquired from the above by the present owner Exhibited New York, Pace Gallery, John Chamberlain: New Sculpture , February - March 1989, n.p., no. 8, illustrated in color (in multiple orientations) Utica, Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute, Sculpture from the Rivendell Collection , September 1990 - September 1992 Literature "Goings On About Town," The New Yorker , Vol. 56, March 1989, p. 12 (text) Fielding Dawson, "Self Portrait in Steel: A Talk with John Chamberlain," Arts Magazine , Vol. 64, April 1990, p. 55, illustrated in color Condition This sculpture is in excellent condition and appears structurally sound. The scattered signs of wear, such as scratches, rust, and paint losses, are inherent to the nature of the found materials and the artist's process. The joins and welds all appear to be sound and secure. The dark blue-green horizontal at the front of the sculpture, 25 inches up from the bottom, has a weld that is not intact but there is a 2 inch gap between the previously joined parts that cannot be reunited in its present construction, so it does not appear that this old weld is related to the final composition. As is to be expected in a work of this construction, the work is slightly dusty overall, primarily in the deepest folds and crevices. 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 “Chance and casual freedom seem to exceed the order within the work. Reality seems more capricious than any order it holds. This disparity between reality and its order is the most radical and important aspect of Chamberlain’s sculpture.” Donald Judd, August, 1964 quoted in Exh. Cat., New York, Pace Gallery, John Chamberlain: New Sculpture , February – March 1989, p. iv