John Coburn
(1925 - 2006)
The second day: God separated the light from the dark, 1969
(From the series: Seven days of creation, 1969-70)
wool Aubusson tapestry
188.0 x 227.0 cm
edition: 1/3
woven signature lower right: Coburn
Estimate:
$20,000 - $30,000
© John Coburn/Copyright Agency 2023
lot details
wool Aubusson tapestry
woven signature lower right: Coburn
Sir Jack and Lady Zunz, United Kingdom
Thence by descent
Private collection, United Kingdom
Exhibited
Aubusson Tapestries, Bonython Galleries, Sydney, 21 April – 13 May 1970, and touring to Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth
Literature
Thomas, D., ‘John Coburn’s Curtains’, Sydney Opera House Special Number, Art and Australia, vol.11, no.3, Summer 1974, p.259 (illus. another example)
Rozen, A., The Art of John Coburn, Ure Smith, Sydney, 1979, p. 62, pl. 28 (illus., another example)
Klepac, L., John Coburn: The Spirit of Colour, The Beagle Press, Sydney, 2003, pl. 67, p. 99 (illus. another example)
Related Works
The Seven Days of Creation, 1969 – 70, Aubusson Tapestries, in the collection of the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, Washington, United States of America
Creation Series: The Second Day: God Separated the Light from the Dark, 1969, Study for tapestry, in Amadio, N., John Coburn, Craftsman House, Sydney, 1988, p.197
The Second Day: God Separated the Light from the Dark, 1977, colour screenprint, edition of 50, 51.5 x 69.5 cm
Condition: This work is in fair and stable condition.
There are a number of small areas of loss from past insect damage. These are clearly visible in the online catalogue image enlargement and mainly appear in the lower half.
The colour values remain fairly strong.
There are three vertical surface creases from past folding.
The work would benefit from some expert conservation treatment to repair or retouch the small areas of loss.
The tapestry has a Velcro strip attached to the reverse top edge with an accompanying wooden Velcro strip for hanging.