Serge Sabarsky, New York
Mrs Inge Pfaff-Kadon
Carus Gallery, New York
Private Collection (acquired from the above in 1982)

Baltimore, The Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore Collects, Constructivism & De Stijl from a Private Collection, 1983-84, no. 9

Maria Jawlensky, Lucia Pieroni-Jawlensky & Angelica Jawlensky, Alexej von Jawlensky, Catalogue Raisonné of the Oil Paintings 1914-1933, London, 1992, vol. II, no. 1389, illustrated in colour p. 495

The board is stable and there are no signs of retouching under UV light. Apart from a slightly uneven varnish, this work is in good condition. Colours: Overall fairly accurate in the catalogue illustration.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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One of the dominent themes in Jawlensky's œuvre is the subject of the Abstrakter Kopf, which becomes increasingly abstracted and stylised over time. The initial head, with a long, U-shaped face and a strong symmetrical structure, was conceived in 1918, and Jawlensky continued to produce varients until 1935. Indian philosophy and the life of Indian yogis appear to have had a strong influence on these works, and the meditative closed eyes and pure colour harmonies of these works evince a sense of spirituality and calm.