Acquired from the artist in 1966
Sidney Wallach, New York (acquired in 1978)
Sale: Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, 19th June 1980, lot 86
Private Collection, Pennsylvania (purchased at the above sale)
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Executed on thick cream wove paper, not laid down, hinged to the mount in the top two corners, floating in the mount. The upper, lower and left edges are deckled and there is a watermark to the lower left corner. There is a flattened fold to the lower left corner with an associated fissure and some minor nicks along the left edge. There is some tape residue towards all four corners on the verso. Apart from some discolouration to the upper edge of the sheet, to the centre of the lower edge and a small area of discolouration in the upper right quadrant, this work is in good condition. Colours: Overall fairly accurate, although the paper tone is whiter and the black medium stronger in the original.
"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."

The present work is a preparatory study for the sculpture The Thumb, Chessgame Homage to Marcel Duchamp, conceived in 1966-70 and cast in an edition of 250 sets. Moulds of Dalì's thumb and fingers constitute the pieces.