- 191
Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description
- Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita
- Chat en rond
- signed Foujita, dated 1928 and in Japanese (lower right); signed Foujita, dated 1928 and inscribed in Japanese on the stretcher
- oil and pen and ink on canvas
- 23.9 by 32.7cm., 9 3/8 by 12 3/4 in.
Provenance
Nesta-Mamonoff/Marynen Collection
Acquired from the above by the present owner
Acquired from the above by the present owner
Condition
The canvas is not lined and there do not appear to be any signs of retouching visible under UV light. There is some rubbing to the extreme edges from handling and possibly previous framing. This work is in very good original 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Sylvie Buisson, author of the Catalogue raisonné of works by Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita, notes how the cat’s proper left eye is half-open. While appearing to be comfortably asleep, therefore, the cat is in fact more conscious than he seems: aware of the surroundings and aware of the viewer. Buisson observes how this playfully mimics Foujita’s own personality, continually observing those around him and never quite as he may seem.
Buisson also suggests that this element to the composition is a nod to his friend Modigliani, whose intere💎st in philosophy led him to scrutinise ideas of internal and external💟 perception.