Roman Radechi Collection
Estate of the musician Cole Porter
Jules Omar Cole, Indiana (first cousin of Cole Porter, acquired from the above)
Louise Cole Schmitt𝕴, Indiana ♐(by descent from the above)

Executed on cream-colored card affixed to a mount at the top edge. Mat burn at the extreme edges. Nailhead size repaired loss at lower right corner and small hemispherical stain off the lower edge near the lower right corner. Otherwise fine, work is in good condition. Please note that Robert and Nicholas Descharnes have expressed a positive opinion regarding the authenticity of this work based on photographs. Should the buyer wish to have a certificate from Robert and Nicolas Descharnes, Sotheby's will undertake shipping this work to be viewed by them in person following the sale (at no additional cost to the buyer).
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.

The onset of World War II marked Salvador Dalí's transformation from Surrealism to a new mode heavily indebted to Classicism.  In an invitation for an exhibition of his works held in 1941 Dalí writes, "Salvador Dalí requests the pleasure of your company at his last scandal, the beginning of his classical painting" (Elliot H. King, Salvador Dali: The Late Work, Atlanta, 2010, p. 13).  The early 1940s and the chaos that stretched over much of the globe prodded Dalí to frequently declare his budding mantra, "To Become Classic!"  This work, depicting classical Greek warriors and their preparations for battle, is a prime example of the onset of Dalí's evolution from his earlier years defined by his existence as a premier member of the Surrealists to a n🦩ew mode of artistic thought. Dalí spent this period living in the United States and contemplating the effects of the developments of the era. The drawings and paintings he produced during this period harkened back to Dalí's neoclassical predecessors and his emphasis on order in an era of confusion.  Furthermore, while Dalí was living in the United States the continuing influence of his roots in his native Catalonia cannot be denied judging from this work's emphasis on the central horse and rider and the mountainous landscape reminiscent of his home. 

            This work was acquired from the artist by American songwriter and composer Cole Porter. Cole Porter was an avid collector of fine works of art while creating some of the era's most successful musical comedies such as Kiss Me Kate and writing and composing some of the era's most iconic songs such as "I Get a Kick Out of You." Cole Porter later gave this work to his cousin, Jules Cole, and both are depicted together in tꩲhe im🌟age below.