[Ink Sketch of Bukowski] Original Portrait of Charles Bukowski

n.p., 1988. Fine. Ink sketch, signed "R. Crumb" with the date of [19]88. Image measures 8" by 7", framed to 15.75" by 13.75" A unique work of art, and to our knowledge never published. This original ink sketch of Bukowski by R. Crumb links one of the "preeminant underground cartoonist with one of the preeminent writers of his time, whose work provided a link between the Beat generation and the 1960s counterculture and beyond."

"Crumb worked with Bukowski several times in the 1980s, illustrating two short books, 'Bring Me Your Love' and 'There's No Business', that were published by John Martin's Black Sparrow Press. Around the same time, Crumb produced three writers' portraits - Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William Burroughs - for a series of posters (and later t-shirts) entitled 'Meet the Beats,' published by Water Row press. This portrait of Bukowski was reported to its previous owner as having been prepared for a second round of author portrait posters, but was never used" (n.b., quotes from prior seller, name available upon request to serious purchasers).

___DESCRIPTION: Ink sketch of the head and shoulders or Bukowski, with a few spots of white-out visible where Crumb refined his sketch; image itself measures 8" by 7", this matted, off-white matt a shade different than the white of the sketching paper (matt approximately 15" by 13"), this in a plain black wood frame, done by Raven's Corner ("Museum Quality Framing") in Sacramento, CA (their label on the back of the piece), another label by the framer states "Conservation Clear U.V. Filtering".

___CONDITION: The sketch paper appears fine, with no toning, foxing, or visible wear. The matt also appears fine, the frame near fine with one small spot of wear at the bottom right corner. Please note that we have NOT examined this piece out of the frame. Also please note that in order to minimize glare from the glass covering the sketch, the pics were taken without lighting; therefore, while the paper looks ivory in the pics, it is much lighter to the human eye, a lovely soft cream.

___PROVENANCE: We have traced ownership of this item back through two prior owners and one ABAA bookseller; the first prior owner acquired the item from "Red's" shop, Baroque Books, in Los Angeles, California. Red Stodolsky had a special relationship with Bukowski, from whom (we can only assume) he acquired this sketch. The details regarding the prior owners and ABAA member are available upon request to serious parties.

___POSTAGE: International customers, please note that additional postage may apply as the standard does not always cover costs; please inquire for details.

___Swan's Fine Books is pleased to be a member of the ABAA, ILAB, and IOBA and we stand behind every book we sell. Please contact us with any questions you may have, we are here to help.