EUGENE BERMAN | BEST WISHES—CHRISTMAS 1942

EUGENE BERMAN (1899 - 1972)
BEST WISHES—CHRISTMAS 1942

Signed with the initials E.B and dated 1942 (lower center); dedicated Best wishes for Julien for Muriel for Christmas and the coming New Year
Pen and ink, brush and ink and ink wash on paper
10½ by 7 in. (26.7 by 17.8 cm)
Framed: 18¼ by 14⅝ in. (46.4 by 37.1 cm)
Executed in 1942.

We extend sincere thanks to Peter Sherwin for his kind assistance in authenticating the present work from photographs.

Condition Report:
Executed on very thin cream wove paper. The letters 'air mai' are present in the bottom right corner. The right edge of the sheet appears to be cut. The sheet is mounted with photo corners at all four corners. A single artist's pinhole is present at the center of the bottom edge. There is an undulation present throughout the sheet. There are assorted handling creases and nicks to the top edge of the sheet. A single crease runs horizontally across the sheet, approximately 1/3 of the way up from the bottom edge. A diagonal crease measuring approximately 4.5 inches runs diagonally across the center of the sheet. There are a few minor scattered stains to the upper left and lower left corners. This work is good condition.

Provenance:
Julien Levy, New York (a gift from the artist)

Jean Levy, New York (by descent from the above and sold by the estate: Tajan, Paris, April 21, 2005, lot 351)

Gallery of Surrealism, New York

Acquired from the above in June 2005