Ed Ruscha

Gift of the artist to Cass Elliot (Mama Cass), 1972
By descent to the present owner

This work is in very good condition overall. There is a 5-inch vertical area of uneven pigmentation to the upper right quadrant, and a 4-inch area of uneven pigmentation with evidence of the white ground to the center left portion of the work. There is very minor staining to the sheet. Otherwise this work had no further condition issues.
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.

After performing with a few different groups in the early 1960s, Cass Elliot formed the Mamas and the Papas in 1965 with Denny Doherty and John and Michelle Phillips.  Between 1965 and 1968 the group produced a number of hits that are remembered today as among the most iconic songs of the 1960s, including "Monday, Monday" and "California Dreamin."  Elliot continued to record and perform on her own after the group broke up in 1968.  After an extremely successful run of two weeks at London's Palladium, Elliot died tragically of a heart attack at the age of 32.  In 1998, the Mamas and the Papas were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The work  was meant to be a birthday gift from Ruscha to Mama Cass on the occasion of her 31st birthday. The work was hand painted on top of a printer's proof of Ruscha's iconic Hollywood sign from 1967-1968.  The long horizontal screenprint shows the incandescent glow of the sun as it sets over the Hollywood Hills. Ruscha has painted in Cass's name along with a birthday wish where the Hollywood sign previous appeared. The performers name is done in a coagulating eddies of pigment, similar to the text used in works such as Mint (Green) and City, also dating from 1968.