† Manuel Viola
(Spanish, 1916-1987)
"Untitled", 1965
seven watercolor and crayons on paper
unsigned, together with letter confirming attribution.
Float-mounted, glazed and framed together.
each 10" x 7" or 7" x 10", framed 30" x 43-1/8"
Provenance: Estate of Charles Christopher Soufas, New Orleans, Louisiana.

A writer and self-taught artist, Viola was a member of the Catalan art community by the age of 15, contributing poems and drawings to ART magazine and other publications. In 1934, he moved to Barcelona and was soon associated with the Amigos de las Artes Nuevas. Viola held strong political views and during the Spanish Civil War he fought against the Nationalists; this was to ultimately lead to his exile to France at the end of the war. During World War II he served in the Foreign Legion and was an active participant in the French Resistance. Viola eventually made his way to Paris, where he exhibited abstracted figural compositions at the Salon des Surindependants. He was not to return to Spain until 1949. Viola's later works were explorations of the interplay of light and shadow and the forms that resulted from this relationship.

Not examined out of frame. Condition as expected with age and material. With losses, toning, foxing and buckling to papers. Frame with losses and abrasions. New Orleans Auction Galleries is pleased to issue and opinion of any lot; the absence of a condition report does not indicate that a lot is perfect condition or free from damage and/or wear.  Please understand that New Orleans Auction Galleries employs no professional conservators. All statements in any condition report, or statements taken verbally, are purely our best opinions, and not blanket statements of fact issued by this auction house.  Prospective buyers should examine each lot so as to satisfy themselves concerning condition, genuineness, importance, age, etc. Regardless of any statements made in writing or verbally, all lots are sold strictly "As Is" in accordance with section 2 of our Conditions of Sale.  No returns will be accepted on the basis of condition.