Juliet Man Ray
Galerie 1900-2000, Paris
Acquis du précédent en 1988 par le propriétaire actuel

Executed on buff-coloured wove paper, not laid down. The sheet is taped to the overmount at two points along the upper edge. There is a 2 cm tear running vertically to the centre of the lower edge, a 0.5cm and a 3cm tears tunning towards the upper right corner. Apart from a slight waviness mostly to the lower part f the sheet, this work is in good condition.
"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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

signed 'MR' and dated '39' (lower right); inscribed 'pour le Rebus' (lower left), ink and pencil on paper. Executed in 1939.

Le Rebus (The Riddle) offre au spectateur une totale liberté d'interprétation. Ce dessin s'ajoute à une aquarelle et une peinture (1938, Centre Georges Pompidou) toutes deux titrées Le Rebus et représentant un corps debout, conquérant, assembl💛é de divers éléments hétérogènes, les bras ouverts et les mains tendues. Cette image renvoie à la déclaration de guerre de 1939, nuancée de connotations sexuelles, saisies par uꦕn trait particulièrement explosif.

 

Le Rebus or The Riddle permits the viewer to liberally interprets this composition openly, however it would appear that this present drawing, a watercolour and an oil (1938, Centre Georges Pompidou) each entitled Le Rebus and featuring a standing entity with outstretched hands, might be references to beginning of political unrest and the outbreak of war in Europe. The 1939 drawing offered here displays such characteristics, providing the viewer with the notion of dismay as well ꧑as explosive and sexual connotations.