The Rock & Roll Pop Culture Auction March 2012

Lot #14:

"Praying Elvis" Oil Painting by Ralph Wolfe Cowan

This oil painting by renowned portrait painter Ralph Wolfe Cowan is titled "Praying Elvis" on a small gold plaque on the matting. The artist has signed the painting at the bottom, in the crook of Elvis' bent arm. The painting depicts a praying Elvis, surrounded by clouds, wearing his famous American Eagle jumpsuit. The painting measures approximately 29.5" x 23.5" and is beautifully matted and framed in a large gold frame to measure 43.5" x 37.5". 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. It is currently hanging in the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery's permanent "Bravo" exhibition. The painting offered here is in very good condition. Comes with a Gotta Have Rock & Roll™ Certificate of Authenticity.