Mel Ramos (1935-2018) Maidenform Molly, 2014 Lithograph in colors on Magnani paper laid on a gold leaf support 18 x 18 inches (45.7 x 45.7 cm) (case) A.P. 18/50 (aside from an edition of 200) Signed and editioned in pencil on supplemental sheet Published by Galerie Ernst Hilger, Vienna Printed by Stamperia Carini, San Giovanni Valdarno, Italy Few prints exist from Pop Art pioneer Mel Ramos's important 1966 fashion paintings series, making Maidenform Molly a rare and significant piece. The work is a to-scale artisan lithograph (struck by master printmakers Carini, S. Giovanni Valdarno of Tuscany) of Ramos's original three-dimensional oil on canvas and Masonite painting. Maidenform Molly meditates on the encumbrances and enhancements inherent to bra-design, positing the model as a Venus de Milo, circa '66. The cut-out motif from this series inspired the painter John Kacere to render exposed female midsections and undergarments in his paintings; this became Kacere's signature for the rest of his career. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice