This impressive work is part of Dubuffet’s renowned series, “Theatres de Memoire” which the artist created when he was 74.  The works in this series are large scale, some of the largest in his career,  and are composed of numerous elements and figures.  The crowded compositions, though harmonious, have no defined beginning or end and no clear narrative, much like the jumbles of our memories.

The series was inspired by the Frances Yates book, “The Art of Memory,” which discusses memory techniques from the Middle Ages.

Provenance

“Site de Memoire II” comes to Alex Cooper from long-time art collectors, Harriet and David Schapiro of West Palm Beach, FL, formerly from Baltimore, with Mr. Schapiro serving as a former Trustee for the Baltimore Museum of Art.  It is edition number 6/10 in the limited series.  The Schapiro’s are the first and only owners of the work, having acquired it from Pace Gallery in New York City circa 1980, who in turn acquired it directly from Dubuffet.

“Site de Memoire II” appears at lot 1205 in the September 27th auction. It is a serigraph, measures a stately 84” x 58” (87” x 61” framed) and has an auction estimate of $100,000-$150,000.

To learn more, please contact Kathleen Hamill, Director of Modern and Contemporary Art at kathleen@alexcooper.com