Thunderball (1965), original painting for the New York premiere, mixed media on canvas, US

Artist: Pietro Psaier (1936-2004)

Thunderball (1965), original painting for the New York premiere, mixed media on canvas, US

Unframed: 66 x 41 in. (167.8 x 104.1 cm)

Framed: 69 1/2 x 44 1/2 in. (176.5 x 113 cm)

This 007 James Bond painting was commissioned in late 1964 by H.Y. Smith, Vice-President of United Artists and Charles Berman of the Transamerica Corporation. The mixed media painting was displayed at the New York premiere of the film on 21st December 1965. The premiere was a big event and a great success. After the event the assistant director asked if he could take home the painting for his young son, which was allowed. It remained with him for the following forty-five years. The piece was created at Andy's Warhol's Factory during his relationship with the artist Piatro Psaier. Information on the piece is written on the reverse.

This was the fourth in the James Bond series produced by Eon Productions, and starring Sean Connery. The film was directed by Terence Young, who had directed the first two Bond films. James Bond films are well known for their gadgets, this film being no exception with the introduction of Bond's Bell Rocket Belt (developed by Bell Aircraft Corporation).

PROVENANCE

The Maurice Amdur Collection