Artist/Designer; Manufacturer: Jesus Rafael Soto (Venezuelan, 1923-2005)
Marking(s); notes: signed twice (verso and on Denise Rene label); unica (unique); 1982
Materials: painting on wood, metal
Dimensions (H, W, D): 40.25"h, 40.25"w, 4.25"d
Additional Information: Full title of work is "Ambivalencia en el Espacio, Color 16." Labels to reverse: Editions Denise Rene, Paris, France, signed and describing the work as unique | Museu de Arte Contemporaneo de Caracas, Venezuela, registration number 035. Provenance: Artist's studio (per museum label) | Collection of Juan Gil, Barquisimeto, Venezuela | Collection of Sara Gil, Miami, Florida, by descent, Colombia circa 1999 | Collection of Nestor Arevalo, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Lot is accompanied by the letter of provenance and transfer of sale rights issued by Sara Gil, dated 3.12.2021 and 3.9.2023 respectively.

Notice to bidders:

Palm Beach Modern Auctions presents noteworthy works of art and design to the public when they are consigned with sufficient provenance and attributes/characteristics of the work are consistent with the artist. The Jesus Rafael Soto work, lot 136 in our Feb. 17 auction, has met these standards and we believe the work is as represented.

As outlined in our Terms & Conditions, Palm Beach Modern Auctions rarely works with artist foundations, especially those based in France due to the model set by France’s “droit moral,” which essentially gives authentication rights of an artist's works to the artist's estate, whether they are qualified or not. Those foundations with whom we do work have been carefully vetted ensuring that any opinion rendered is an “Arms Length” opinion. Neither Palm Beach Modern Auctions nor the consignor are under any obligation to present a work to a foundation in order to offer the work at auction. Many works by Jesus Rafael Soto and other highly collectible artists have been offered at noteworthy auction houses without a foundation authentication, including Sotheby’s, Christies and Phillips.

This lot has not been submitted to the Le Comite Soto, Paris, France. That being said, the foundation has sent an unsolicited email stating the following: “… this piece does not feature in our archives…”. Rarely are artist records/archives/Catalogues Raisonne considered complete, as those records are constantly updated as works are discovered.

Bidders may use any foundation, gallery or expert they wish, and PBMA will provide all available information they require. Interested bidders or their experts are welcome to view all items in our auctions in person during the preview period. Additionally, Palm Beach Modern Auctions will provide hi-resolution images, video, and Facetime appointments to assist bidders in due diligence. Please contact us with your requests as early as possible in advance of the auction to allow time for you and your expert to make a confident decision.

good, minor wear and abrasions to edges, general signs of age

All bidders in our auctions should be aware of the following: Lots are sold "AS IS" as described in the Terms & Conditions of Auction. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Palm Beach Modern Auctions. PBMA strives to provide as much information as possible about items, including multiple photos, dimensions and condition reports. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. All bidders are encouraged to inspect items of interest in person and ask any questions they may have prior to bidding as well as review all points in the Terms & Conditions.

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