•Lot 91
Keith Haring Ladder Original Artwork, 1982
A vintage library ladder, with distinctive Keith Haring designs in gold marker on the wood steps and side rails, 1982. Height: 8 feet 3 inches x 18 inches.
This ladder was decorated by Keith Haring, signed and dated by him in gold marker, and was formerly owned by a family friend who was given the ladder after Haring's death. While Haring was alive the ladder was in the St Marks Row House complex that he owned and occupied with the man he was living with at the time of his death.
This ladder is unique and rare because it was so personal to Keith Haring. It contains gold marker drawings of Haring's most famous iconographic image, Radiant Baby. What is especially wonderful about this piece is that one can see its originality in the wear of the object, confirming that it was so personal to Haring and not created for commercial sale or use.
The ladder itself bears the fine patina of age, and can be dated back to the time of Haring's life. Until the ladder was recently moved into a vault in NYC, it had been stored in a private home in upstate New York for approximately the many years. The ladder was included in a recently published book entitled “The Cassinelli Collection.” Bravo television filmed a segment on the collection which is being considered for use in a special this fall. Joyce Varvatos (wife of fashion designer John Varvatos and a well respected art consultant) narrated the special. Joyce Varvatos produced an important documentary on top women in the art world.
This is the first time that this most unique ladder is being offered for public sale.
Estimate: $100,000 - $150,000