Lot 1670

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

(1942 - 1994) Notorious mass murderer of over thirty young men whom he buried beneath his home, executed after many appeals and postponements. A rather ironic and inexplicably desirable Gacy item, an original signed painting, 9" x 12", a bust depiction of Jesus Christ wearing the crown of thorns, executed on a canvas-covered artist's board in heavy black oil paint on a bright orange field, adding the title "Christ" below. Gacy signs "J.W. Gacy" in black paint at bottom right, adding the date "85". He signs again "John W. Gacy" on the verso in blue ink, adding a note in blue ink at the top edge: "Dear Mark, I hope you enjoy this oil painting as much as I enjoyed doing it for you. Best of health", with the date "1985". He signs a third time "J.W. Gacy" vertically below the inscription in black ink, adding the inventory number "#192". Gacy has also affixed a printed poem describing the solitary life of Christ to the verso. In very good to fine condition. This painting was purchased by our consignor directly from Gacy while in prison, with whom he maintained an extensive correspondence until his execution. Gacy discusses this particular painting in detail in a letter to our consignor, sold by us in February of 2019: "...So I hope you like the painting I call my Christ. I have the original drawing which I did in pastels, yellow and black. At the time back in 1983 when I was sitting in my cell drawing I wondered what Christ was thinking and feeling at the time he was put to death, was He angry, lost bewildered, or sadden that they did that to Him. I also wanted to know if you or I mean me, If I could express feeling with the absences of color. Black is not considered a color in oil painting neither is white. So I set out to express feeling in the face with the eyes. I have gotten all kinds of opinion as to what they think Christ is thinking, and wonder what your views are? If you feel like it let me know...[all sic]"

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

July 31, 2019 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000