Private Collection, New York
Sotheby's, New York, May 9 and 10, 1984, lot 90
Acquired by the present owner from the above

Overall the work is in very good condition. The sheet has evidence of time-staining. There is scattered foxing along the right side of the composition. There is discoloration to the backing board. There is evidence of glue residue to the edges of where the sheet was laid down to the board. The colors are rich. The texture of the sheet is uneven likely due to the artist's working method. There is a 1/4 inch tear to the left edge of the sheet. There is no apparent inpainting visible under Ultraviolet light. Framed under Plexiglas.
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.

In 1920, after finishing his third year at the Rotterdam Art Academy, Willem de Kooning dropped out of the Academy and moved to Amsterdam to live with his sister, Marie, and her young family. One year later he returned to Rotterdam to complete his artistic training. During this time he befriended fellow student, Benno Randolfi.

Benno Randolfi and his family were passionate about the arts and de Kooning became a frequent presence in their household. He notably once left behind a painted door as a sign of his gratitude for the hospitality that had been extended to him. De Kooning would later say that “the happiest time of his life was when he was sixteen or seventeen and lived with the Randolfis.” (Mark Stevens and Annalyn Swann, de Kooning: An American Master, New York, 2004, p. 44)

Throughout his adolescence de Kooning was captivated by American pop culture, and longed to move to America. In 1926 de Kooning’s dream was realized as Benno Randolfi’s brother-in-law, Leo Cohen, helped smuggle him to America in the engine room of the S.S. Shelley which was heading from Rotterdam to Virginia.

De Kooning’s relationship with the Randolfi family continued whilst he was in America, and he continued to give paintings and drawings to the Randolfi’s as a sign of his gratitude for their friendship. Sotheby’s is delighted to offer this lot which was gifted by de Kooning to Benno Randolfi’s son, Gerrit Randolfi. Standing Woman is a wonderful exampl𝔉e of de Kooning’s painterly skill, as well as a testament to the family’s friendship.