Oskar Kokoschka (German, 1886-1980)
Temptation for Mary, Jim, Susan and Tom to come to Italy?
Titled, initialed, dated, and inscribed "...OK, 25.1.49, Boston" in pencil l.c.,
annotations to verso, identified on a label and inscription on the paper backing.
Colored pencil on spiral-bound paper, sight size 8 1/2 x 11 3/8 in. (21.6 x 28.9 cm), framed.
Condition: Toning, paper and transparent adhesive tape hinged to window mat, trimmed spiral-bound edge.
Provenance: Property from the Collection of James Sachs Plaut (1912-1996), founder and first director of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston. During World War II, Plaut directed the Art Looting Investigation Unit for the United States Government, the group known as the "Monuments Men."
N.B. According to Plaut's daughter Susan (see lot 591), the present work was intended to 'lure' the family to Italy, but they never ended up visiting. The work was lent for exhibition, but the venue and dates are unknown at this time.
The work will be included in the third edition of the forthcoming Kokoschka catalogue raisonné of drawings and watercolors; we wish to thank Dr. Alfred Weidinger for his kind assistance with cataloging the lot.
Estimate $2,500-3,500
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.