The seated figure in this mixed-media work from 1984, the outlines of which seem to glow golden against the black background, has been interpreted as not only a human figure but also as a cross.
It belongs to a period during which the artist concerned himself with many forms of spirituality. The single visible foot reflects many of his works which often contain symbolised body parts: feet, hands or eyes. Tàpies said these were inspired by votive offerings brought to church by the faithful, to assist in healing infliction.
The painting, incorporating brush and India ink, chalk, wax and gouache on wove paper, laid down on a 3ft 5in x 2ft 6in (1.05m x 76cm) canvas, is coming up for sale at Van Ham in Cologne on November 30 with a guide of €40,000-60,000.
The artist recreated Personnage assis as the last sheet of a suite of 11 lithographs, all the same size as the painting, which he published as Variations in 1984 in an edition of 90.
