- 328
Balthus
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Balthus
- Portrait de Michelina
- signed with the artist's monogram, dated 1974 and inscribed Michelina (lower centre)
- pencil on papier peau d'éléphant
- 37 by 25.2cm., 14 1/2 by 10in.
Provenance
Private Collection, Italy
Literature
Virginie Monnier, Balthus, Catalogue raisonné de l’œuvre complet, Paris, 1999, no. D 1305, illustrated p. 366
Condition
Executed on papier d'elephant, not laid down, attached to the mount at all four corners and at the centre of the lower, right and left edges, and floating in the mount. The right edge is unevenly cut and the upper and left edges are deckled. Apart from a small spot of discolouration to the upper left quadrant, this work appears to be in very good overall 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
Michelina and her sister Katia, were Balthus' preferred sitters during his directorship at the Villa Medici, home to the French Academy in Rome between 1961 to 1977. During this time, he executed a large number of portraits of the two sitters of which this is a delicate example rendered on elephant paper, lending a textured surface to the drawing.