- 332
FERNAND LÉGER | Nature morte à la clef
Estimate
18,000 - 25,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Fernand Léger
- Nature morte à la clef
- signed with the initials F.L. and dedicated à Waller, amicalement F Leger (lower right)
- pen and ink on paper
- 33.7 by 25.1cm., 13 1/4 by 9 7/8 in.
- Executed in 1928-29.
Provenance
William Waller, Paris (a gift from the artist)
Private Collection, Baltimore (sale: Rago Arts, New Jersey, 5th November 2016, lot 69)
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner
Private Collection, Baltimore (sale: Rago Arts, New Jersey, 5th November 2016, lot 69)
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner
Literature
'Sélection chronique de la vie artistique, Fernand Léger' in The French Journal, Anvers, 1929, Cahier 5, n.n., illustrated p. 62 (without the dedication and signature)
Maurice Jardot, Léger Dessins, Paris, 1953, n.n., illustrated pl. 29 (without the dedication and signature)
Maurice Jardot, Léger Dessins, Paris, 1953, n.n., illustrated pl. 29 (without the dedication and signature)
Condition
Executed on cream wove paper, not laid down and hinged to the mount at the upper two corners. The sheet is slightly time-stained and there are two very small repaired tears to the upper edge, and a minor repaired tear to the upper right edge. There is a minor nick to the centre-left edge and a small loss in the lower left quadrant. This work is in overall good 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
Baltimore artist William L. Waller was significantly influenced by his Paris teacher Fernand Léger. After the Second World War, Waller resigned his Army commission to study and paint in Paris. He obtained a doctorate in aesthetics from the Sorbonne, and studied with Léger from 1948 to 1950. When Léger eventually retired from teaching, Waller held the position of Director at the Académie Montmartre from 1952 to 1954. He had a number of shows in Paris, Provincetown and Baltimore, returning to his hometown in 1954.