Andy Warhol

Rupert Jason Smith, New York (acquired directly from the artist)
Private Collection
Sale: Sotheby's, New York, Contemporary Art, 16 May 2001, Lot 112
Private Collection, New York
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner

The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the tonality of the purple hues is slightly cooler in the original. This work is in very good condition. Close inspection reveals minute spots of wear to the extreme tips of the four corners. No restoration is apparent under ultraviolet light.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"'It will be called Studio 54. It's in the old CBS studio where The $64,000 Question used to take place. Before that it was an opera house. You walk in under this big marquee. Then you walk into this enormous hall with very, very high ceilings and Art Deco mirrors and crystal chandeliers and then into this enormous, enormous room where there are like eighty-five-foot ceilings - it's like five stories. The dance floor is 11,000 square feet. Then upstairs is a balcony with a seating arrangement like a theatre. I would say the opening night will be more like going to a premiere than going to a discotheque. I'm very excited about it because I think it could help change a little bit the lifestyle of New York.'

That last line turned out to be the most prophetic understatement of the Disco Decade"

Bob Colacello citing his interview with Carmen d'Alessio, who had been hired to launch Studio 54 by its owners Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager, for Interview, April 1977, in: Holy Terror: Andy Warhol Close Up, New York 1990, p. 349