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Included in the International Biennale of Contemporary Art in San Marino in 1965, Stefan Gierowski’s Obraz CXLII (Painting CXLII), 1963, is a quilted pattern of earthy monochrome. From 1957 on, Gierowski began signing his paintings with Roman numerals, the year he began to paint abstract art. In 1960, he started including geometric elements in his compositions and his works approached Op Art’s formal conditions. The muted, textured colours are characteristic of a painting practice directly inspired by Unism, the Polish philosophical movement that gained traction in the 1920s and 1930s. In Unism, all references to the real world, be that objects, space or emotion, were eliminated to create an almost mathematical form of expression, which can be seen in the disciplined grid of Obraz CXLII. Gierowski’s paintings were shown in Fifteen Polish Painters, the first comprehensive exhibition of Polish painters held in 1961 at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, and of his practice the exhibition’s curator Peter Selz wrote, ‘Subtle vibrations are created by the delicate textures and veiled light which seems to emanate from the interior of the painting. Occasionally, lines moving at varying speeds and following their own deliberation will give some vague definition to his silent, somewhat mysterious space’ (P. Selz, Fiften Polish Painters, exh. cat, Museum of Modern Art, New York, 1961, p. 10). In Obraz CXLII, the materials guide the formal qualities of the image and, in doing so, Gierowski has painted an integrated, dynamic whole. Post Lot Text Artist's Resale Right Regulations 2006 apply to this lot. You must pay us an extra amount equal to the resale royalty and we will pay the royalty to the appropriate authority. Please see the Conditions of Sale for further information. This lot has been imported from outside the EU for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on the invoice. Please see Conditions of Sale for further information.
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Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The canvas, stretcher and attachments appear to be in generally good condition. There is some minor rubbing with associated pinpoint paint losses to the corners. There are a few pinpoint accretions, primarily to the extreme vertical edges. When examined under ultraviolet light there is no indication of inpainting. It is our view that the work appears to be in generally good condition. Catalogue illustration: Fairly accurate.