Comte L. de Kerouara, Paris
Acquis à la fin des années 1980 par le propriétaire actuel

The canvas is not lined. There is some hairline paint shrinkage in the lower section of the blue area. Under ultra-violet light, there is an intermittent line of retouching along the edges due to frame rubbing. This work is in very 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 'Max Ernst' (lower right), oil on canvas. Painted in 1934.

Fig. 1  Max Ernst, La Mer, 1925, huile sur toile - Vendu : Soth꧋eby's, New York, 2 novembre 2005, lot 17, 968 000 US$

 

Au milieu d'une île étonnante
Que ses membres traversent
Elle vit d'un monde ébloui.

La chair que l'on montre aux curieux
Attend là comme les récoltes
La chute sur les rives.

En attendant pour voir plus loin
Les yeux plus grands ouverts sous le vent de ses mains
Elle imagine que l'horizon a pour elle dénoué sa ceinture.

Paul Eluard ("La grande maison inhabitable", in Répétitions, 1922)

 

In the middle of an astonishing island
That her limbs travel
She is nourished by a dazzled world.

The flesh one shows off to the curious
Waits there like harvests
To fall on the riverbanks.

Knowing she'll see further
Her eyes wider in the wind of her hands
She imagines the horizon has unbuckled its belt for her. 

Paul Eluard ("La grande maison inhabitable", 1922, translated by Caws, Terry and Kline in Capital of Pain, 2006)