Robert Longo
(b. 1953)
"Jules, Gretchen, Mark (State II)," from "Men in the Cities" series, 1983
Lithograph with embossing on paper
One of four printer's proofs aside from the edition of 30 (plus 10 artist's proofs) in this state
Signed and dated in pencil in the lower right margin corner: R Longo; numbered in the lower left margin corner: PP 4/4; Maurice Sanchez, Derriere l'Etoile Studios, Long Island City, NY, prntr.; Brooke Alexander Inc., New York, pub.
Image overall: 30.125" H x 53" W; Sheet: 36.5" H x 67.75" W
Provenance: The Estate of Oscar and Barbara Leidenfrost

Other Notes: Proceeds to benefit non-profit organizations and educational institutions.

eState IIi in the title of this work refers to the fact that Longo printed an edition (i.e. 'State I") of 45 impressions for each of these figures on separate sheets of paper before combining them as one image on a single large sheet of paper.

The American artist Robert Longo (b. 1953) is widely known for his hyperrealistic charcoal drawings, though it works from his "Men in the City" series that are arguably among the most recognizable images that the artist ever created.

Between 1977 and 1983, Robert Longo created 60 hyperrealistic drawings and a series of prints showing men and women in professional business attire captured in exaggerated and contorted bodily poses. The artist identified the film "The American Soldier" (1970) as the initial source of his inspiration for the series. In the movie's final scene, as two gangsters are gunned down unexpectedly, their bodies are shown flying in a dramatic recoil.

Seeking to capture the theatricality of the moment a body is hit by a bullet, Longo began recruiting his friends and fellow photographers to serve as subjects for the series. Pummeling them with tennis balls and surprising them with loud noises, Longo captured his subjects in poses that range from eerie to dance-like. Today, the "Men in the City" series is one of the most memorable to have emerged during the tumultuous New York art scene of the 1980s.

Overall good condition. A soft horizontal crease measuring approximately 4" wide in the lower right margin corner, just affecting the signature and date. Framed floating and hinged to the back mat.

Frame under Plexiglas: 38" H x 70" W x 1.5" D Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.