Identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
The artwork is clearly signed 'Red Grooms' in red paint and features a publisher's plaque on the reverse explicitly dating it to 1979. The plaque confirms it was published by Brooke Alexander, Inc. and Marlborough Graphics, Inc., and produced at Vermillion Editions, Ltd.
Story
Red Grooms (American, b. 1937) is a prominent Pop artist renowned for his colorful, humorous, and complex three-dimensional constructions. This specific piece, 'Peking Delight,' was published in 1979 by Brooke Alexander, Inc. and Marlborough Graphics, Inc., and produced at Vermillion Editions, Ltd. It is a documented limited edition of 50, representing a classic example of his highly sought-after mixed-media multiples.
Maker / Origin
Red Grooms
Condition & Value
The visible photos confirm the presence of the signature and the original publisher's plaque, which are excellent indicators of authenticity. However, the complex 3D nature of the work means delicate protruding elements (like the chopsticks or the figure's fingers) are highly susceptible to damage.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The secondary market for Red Grooms' 3D lithograph constructions (often called 'sculpto-pictoramas') from the 1970s and 1980s is highly stable. They have a dedicated collector base within the Pop Art and contemporary prints categories. Works with complex, multi-layered cutouts like 'Peking Delight' are particularly desirable, though buyers are highly sensitive to condition issues such as fading, scuffs, or damage to the delicate paper elements.
▲ Exact match to a known, documented edition ('Peking Delight', Edition of 50)
▲ Clear, verifiable signature and publisher's plaque on the reverse
▲ Strong, stable auction history for this specific piece at major houses like Christie's
▲ Highly representative of Grooms' signature 3D 'sculpto-pictorama' style
▼ Unverified condition of delicate 3D elements — missing or bent cutouts (like chopsticks) would significantly reduce value
▼ Potential fading or discoloration of the lithograph inks — UV damage is common and depresses the price
▼ Unverified surface condition — minor scuffs or ink loss (as noted in Christie's comps) can push the value to the $1,500 floor
Best Venue
List with a mid-tier to top-tier contemporary art or prints auction house (such as Swann Galleries, Wright, or Palm Beach Modern Auctions) that regularly handles Pop Art multiples. Prior to consignment, ensure a comprehensive condition report is prepared, specifically documenting the integrity of all 3D cutouts and the vibrancy of the ink, as pristine condition is required to hit the $2,500 high estimate.
Upside Potential
If the piece is confirmed to be in pristine, museum-quality condition with zero UV fading, no surface scuffs, and all delicate cutouts perfectly intact, it could reach or slightly exceed the $2,500 high-end at a specialized contemporary print auction.
Also found — market-range context
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.