Red Grooms (American, b. 1937) The Great Transaction (In Two Parts)

Description:

Red Grooms (American, b. 1937)

The Great Transaction (In Two Parts)
Signed and dated "Red Grooms/75-81" on the base of the figure on the far right,
titled, dated, and inscribed "The Great Transition/1981/Red Grooms/..." on a plywood plaque.
Mixed media sculpture, height to 78 in. (198 cm),base 138 x 33 1/2 in. (350.5 x 85.1 cm).
Condition: Part of the platform on the right side has been replaced.

N.B. This work depicts the historic sale of the island of Manhattan, probably by the Lenape people, to Peter Minuit and a group of Dutch colonials on May 24, 1626.
Estimate $12,000-18,000

The plywood plaque includes the following names beneath the name Red Grooms: Ted By/E. Fessler/Doreen Maddox/Laura Berringer."

The base of the sculpture is constructed in two sections which can be disassembled for moving. The figures themselves are attached permanently to the base. For display, the base of the sculpture rests on two carpeted supports which raise it up from the ground so that the "wheels" panels can be affixed along the edges of the base. There is also a separate plywood support/platform on casters (43 x 140 x 4 inches) that accompanies the sculpture and which is designed as an alternate support.

The mixed media elements include (but not limited to) oil, marker, straw, fabric, aluminum sheets, screening, fake fur, leather, pushbroom heads, styrofoam, paperboard tubes, leather, and cork on plywood.

Condition: The work has normal wear, including surface grime and abrasions. The cardboard tubes holding the flag on the pilgrim landing section are bent over.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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