International Art

September 1924, 2020
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LOT 564

Lot 564

Josef Albers (1888-1976)

Josef Albers (1888-1976)
Lot 564 Details
Josef Albers (1888-1976), German/American

STRUCTURAL CONSTELLATION, CIRCA 1955-1965

Machine engraved plastic laminate; signed with incised monogram initial "A", dated /73 and incised with dedication: "For Jack, to hold in his hands in bed and the best for Christmas and the New Year, XII.12.73" to the verso. This work is from an edition of unknown size.

Together with an acrylic block stand.
3.3 x 4 in — 8.5 x 10.2 cm; 3.5 x 4.125 in — 8.9 x 10.5 cm

Estimate $5,000-$7,000

Realised: $3,060
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Josef Albers (1888-1976)
  • Josef Albers (1888-1976)
  • Josef Albers (1888-1976)
Provenance:

A gift from the artist, 1973;
Collection of Jack Pollock, Toronto;
Gifted to the present Private Collection, Victoria, BC in the late 1980’s when he went to live in Gordes, France during his final years;
Private Collection, Victoria, BC

Note:

This work is based on "Structural Constellation U-18" (1955) of which Albers had an undetermined number of versions engraved in various sizes which he gave as gifts throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Albers gifted other examples of "Structural Constellation" measuring 5.5" x 6.5", slightly larger than the present lot, including one "For Zohmah" on March 15, 1968; one "For Anni" (Albers) on September 9, 1968 and another one "For S" (Sewell Sillman) in December 1965.

Josef Albers gifted this miniature to Jack Pollock, the prominent Toronto art dealer whose Pollock Gallery was among the most respected fixture on the Toronto art scene for over 20 years. The Pollock Gallery operated from 1960-1983 in eight different locations in Toronto. Jack Pollock was widely reputed to have a skilled eye for identifying talent in young artists and was instrumental in the careers of artists he represented including David Hockney, Susan Ross, Ken Danby, Roy Thomas, Catherine Senitt, Charles Pachter, Robert Bateman, Robert Kost, Willem de Kooning and Norval Morrisseau. Pollock Gallery's provenance is a guarantee of authenticity for the most significant International artists on the market today. Recognized for his association with Norval Morrisseau as his art dealer, The Pollock Gallery provenance is considered by art museums in Canada an assurance of authenticity.

Jack was very proud of his relationship with Albers. He would often say that he as an artist sat at the feet of the great master Albers.
It is believed that Jack was in hospital recovering from open heart surgery when he was gifted this miniature.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 564
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.