Ed Ruscha

Ferus Gallery, Los Angeles
William Copley, New York
By descent to the present owner from the above

Lisa Turvey, ed., Edward Ruscha: Catalogue Raisonné of the Works on Paper: Volume One: 1956-1976, New York, 2014, cat. no. D1963.39, p. 122, illustrated in color

This work is in very good condition overall. There are artist’s pinholes in the center of the two letter “O’s.” There is an approximately ½-inch abrasion mark above the letter “L” and a faint oil stain is visible in the lower left corner, both likely from the time of execution. Under very close inspection and under raking light, a very faint and unobtrusive diagonal variation in tone to the paper is visible above the letters “OK,” the result of an old area of adhesive. Also under very close inspection, there is minor evidence of skinning at the top of the inner “L” and at the bottom of the inner “K” both of which have benefited from light retouching. The sheet is hinged verso intermittently along the edges to the matte. Framed under Plexiglas.
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.

"Words have temperatures to me. When they reach a certain point and become hot words, then they appeal to me…Sometimes I have a dream that if a word gets too hot and too appealing, it will boil apart, and I won’t be able to read or think of it. Usually I catch them before they get too hot." Ed Ruscha