Richard Prince
Lantern
2024
OIL ON CANVAS
120 × 120 × 5 cm
Unique
Location: Paris, France
Documents
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Invoice or proof of purchase
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Certificate of authenticity
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Other documents
About the artwork
A rectangular, white architectural structure with illuminated windows stands prominently in the center of this composition. The building, appearing minimalist in design, is set against a muted, cloudy sky rendered in shades of blue and grey. Below the structure, a body of water reflects the warm, glowing light emanating from the building's windows, creating a shimmering orange and yellow reflection that contrasts with the cooler tones of the surrounding environment. The composition emphasizes geometric forms and a restrained color palette, primarily focusing on the interplay of light and reflection. The artificial light from within the structure casts a warm glow, suggesting human presence or activity within an otherwise stark and expansive landscape. The reflective surface of the water below duplicates the central architectural element, distorting and abstracting its form while amplifying the intensity of the interior light. This work from 1994 aligns with Prince's broader exploration of archetypes and the re-contextualization of familiar imagery. While not directly appropriating a specific photograph, the painting evokes a sense of cinematic or advertising aesthetics, presenting an idealized or staged scene. The isolation of the structure and its luminous interior against a vast, ambiguous background creates a contemplative atmosphere, inviting viewers to consider themes of domesticity, isolation, and the constructed nature of visual experience.
Expert opinion
Richard Prince is a pivotal figure within the Pictures Generation, a group of artists who emerged in the late 1970s and 1980s and critically engaged with mass media imagery. His practice of appropriation, which involves re-photographing or re-contextualizing existing images, challenges traditional notions of authorship, originality, and the value of an image. The market for Prince's work is well-established, with significant demand for pieces across his various series. While his "Nurse" paintings and "Cowboy" rephotographs have achieved some of his highest auction results, works from the 1990s, particularly paintings, are also sought after by collectors. The consistent presence of his work in major gallery and auction house sales indicates sustained collector interest and a stable position in the contemporary art market.
About the artist
Born in 1994, Richard Prince is a contemporary American artist whose work transcends the boundaries of photography and conceptual art. His artistic practice is characterized by his inventive use of pools, portraits, landscapes and nature, in which he explores complex themes such as identity, celebrity and mass culture. Richard Prince's art is deeply influenced by consumer society and the power of images in contemporary culture. Through his work, he creates visual narratives that explore notions of representation and authenticity, challenging preconceived notions of reality and truth. He often uses portraits, capturing the essence of his subjects with remarkable sensitivity and intensity, revealing the complexity of the individual behind the image.
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