Lot 260: JOHN WONNACOTT | Self-Portrait with Electric Light Bulb

oil on board

201 by 76.5cm.; 79 by 30in.

oil on board

The work is formed of two boards, joined horizontally across the centre of the composition. The board is slightly unevenly cut along the upper edge. There are nail heads visible along the extreme edges. There are minor nicks and nips to the extreme edges, and a small, old slight crack to the tip of the bottom right corner, only visible upon extremely close inspection, with further possible in-filling to the bottom left corner. This excepting the work appears in very good overall condition. Ultraviolet light reveals isolated areas of fluorescence and retouching along the extreme edge, including to the aforementioned nail heads, and the bottom right corner, as well as further scattered traces along the join of the two boards. These have been sensitively executed, possibly inkeeping with the nature of the artist's technique. Housed in a thick, dark wooden frame. Please contact the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present lot.
"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."

Colchester, The Minories, John Wonnacott, 3rd May - 5th June 1977, cat. no.7, illustrated on the front cover;
Rochdale, Rochdale Art Gallery, John Wonnacott: Paintings and Drawings, 3rd February - 25th March 1978, cat. no.9, illustrated, with tour to Ferens Art Gallery, Hull, Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston and Ikon Gallery, Birmingham;
Manchester, Manchester City Art Gallery, The Pursuit of the Real, British Figurative Painting from Sickert to Bacon, March - April 1990, cat. no.22, with tour to Barbican Art Gallery, London and City Art Gallery, Glasgow;
New Haven, Yale Centre for British Art, The School of London and Their Friends: the Collection of Elaine and Melvin Merians, October 2000 - January 2001, cat. no.69, illustrated, with tour to Neuberger Museum of Art, Purchase.

Agnew's, London, where acquired by Elaine and Melvin Merians, U.S.A., 1989
Their sale, Christie's London, 22nd June 2007, lot 37