RED GROOMS (B. 1937) | End Of An Orgy from C.B. DeMille's "Manslaughter" 1922, 1973

watercolor, ink, and graphite paper construction mounted to painted panel, in artist's Plexiglas case; inscribed and dated 'Red Grooms after Cecil B. DeMille 1922 - 1973'; titled on the reverse of the panel

Private Collection, New York

This work is in very good and sound condition overall. All elements are present and stable. There is some separation and adhesive residue to elements of the paper construction, visible upon close inspection and possibly inherent to the artist's working method. Any soft creases to the paper construction appear to be inherent to the nature of the artist's chosen medium and working method. There is some light wear and a surface layer of dust to the Plexiglas case, visible upon close inspection.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

Executed in 1973, the present work is an homage to the iconic orgy scene from Cecil B. DeMille's 1922 silent film 'Manslaugter.'  Grooms work had a dialogue with DeMille's throughout his career, notably creating an Egytian-style movie theatre inspired by DeMille's 1956 film 'The Ten Commandments,' displayed during his 1986 exhibition 'Pride and Grooms: A Lively Retrospective.'