Details

Provenance

Collection of Frank O'Hara, New York (gift of the artist) Private Collection, New York (by descent from the above) Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York (acquired from the above in 1990) Private Collection (acquired from the above in 1990) Christie's, New York, 17 May 2001, Lot 117 Acquired from the above sale by the present owner Condition This work is in very good condition overall. There is a slight undulation to the sheet, inherent to the artist’s working method. There are several artist’s pinholes in each corner and the extreme upper right corner is slightly creased. The sheet has slightly discolored with age. There is a repaired tear visible along the top edge towards the left, a minor and unobtrusive partial tear in the upper right corner in the black ink, and some light staining in the lower left corner. Under very close inspection, a drip accretion is visible along the right edge. The sheet is hinged verso to mat intermittently along the edges. Framed under Plexiglas. 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 "Feeling, existing, living, I think it's all the same, except for quality. Existing is survival; it does not mean necessarily feeling. You can say good morning, good evening. Feeling is something more: it's feeling your existence. It's not just survival. Painting is a means of feeling 'living'." Joan Mitchell

Catalog summary

Joan Mitchell Untitled signed oil, crayon, gouache and graphite on paper 14 by 22 in. 35.5 by 55.9 cm. Executed in 1957. Provenance Collection of Frank O'Hara, New York (gift of the artist) Private Collection, New York (by descent from the above) Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York (acquired from the above in 1990) Private Collection (acquired from the above in 1990) Christie's, New York, 17 May 2001, Lot 117 Acquired from the above sale by the present owner Condition This work is in very good condition overall. There is a slight undulation to the sheet, inherent to the artist’s working method. There are several artist’s pinholes in each corner and the extreme upper right corner is slightly creased. The sheet has slightly discolored with age. There is a repaired tear visible along the top edge towards the left, a minor and unobtrusive partial tear in the upper right corner in the black ink, and some light staining in the lower left corner. Under very close inspection, a drip accretion is visible along the right edge. The sheet is hinged verso to mat intermittently along the edges. Framed under Plexiglas. 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 "Feeling, existing, living, I think it's all the same, except for quality. Existing is survival; it does not mean necessarily feeling. You can say good morning, good evening. Feeling is something more: it's feeling your existence. It's not just survival. Painting is a means of feeling 'living'." Joan Mitchell