The Rock & Roll Pop Culture Auction March 2012

Lot #15:

"Cruising Elvis" Painting by Ralph Wolfe Cowan

This truly unique oil painting of Elvis Presley by renowned portrait painter Ralph Wolfe Cowan in 1988 is an homage to Elvis' recording of "Pink Cadillac" as it is framed in the window of a real car door (Ford Falcon), painted pink. The painting, signed and dated 1988 by the artist is in the shape of the window measuring approximately 29" x 15" (with one side slanted). The painting depicts Elvis sitting in his Pink Cadillac wearing his famous Owl Ring. The painting is "framed" by an actually car door, painted pink that is also signed and dated 1988 by the artist, Series 1, No. 3. The paint has chipped in a few places on the door. Cowan, one of the most important portrait painters in the world is the only painter that Elvis ever commissioned for a portrait and the full length masterpiece that Cowan painted of Elvis was the only portrait Elvis ever allowed to hang in Graceland. When Elvis first sat down with him, Cowan sketched him on a round canvas which was then abandoned for the larger one. After Elvis passed away, Cowan took up the round canvas and finished the painting. The painting offered here is in overall excellent condition, the car door "frame" is in very good condition with some paint chipping. Comes with a Gotta Have Rock & Roll™ Certificate of Authenticity.