James Rosenquist

Artists for SEDE (Scholarship, Education and Defense Fund for Racial Equality), New York
Mrs. Helen W. Benjamin, New York (acquired from the above in 1967)
By descent to the present owner, daughter of the above

The canvas (the backing) has surface dirt and there are signs of minor scuffing around the edges. Otherwise the work is in good condition with the electrical parts working.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This work is a smaller  version of the painting Doorstop (The Museum of Modern Art, New York: Mrs. Armand P. Bartos Fund, by exchange, and gift by Agnes Gund).
Judith Goldman quotes Rosenquist  explaining the meaning of these works: "I knew some ex-cons in the fifties.  They lived in Bunglaows and were extremely cautious.  When I'd go to visit them they'd peep out the window.  They'd tiptoe through their house.  I wanted to make a painting that was like a pinball machine.  I wanted the rooms to light up randomly.  Doorstop is about wandering around a house plan."  She adds, "Doorstops are used to keep doors open, but the title carries a pun that implies confinement." (Judith Goldman, James Rosenquist, New York, 1985, p.20)
A small number of other "Doorstops"  in these dimensions are known, including a red one sold at Sotheby's New York on May 15, 2008, lot 194. That work was numbered VIII/ X Three others are believed lost/destroyed. The present work is not numbered.