The Tatooed Head 1985



Synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 134.5 x 93

signed, dated and titled [on reverse, acc.to Leonard Joel]

Coll.: unknown

This painting, obviously a variant of Tattooed Head (1983) [aka Tattooed], was sold at auction in Melbourne in 1992, titled as indicated here.

The black and white photograph in the auction catalogue (reproduced here) appears to be the only known image. Without a colour photo it is hard to make definitive comments, but the work seems to represent an interesting transition towards the development fully realized in Arkley’s 1990 ‘Head Show’.

Provenance

  • earlier history unknown
  • auctioned by Leonard Joel, Melbourne, 25 Nov.1992, lot 90 (ill., details as shown here; est.$1,500-2,000; sold for $4,400 plus buyer’s premium, according to AASD)