An Open Door and A Skeleton Painting Me
$400.00
The Story
Discover a captivating glimpse into the mind of a true visionary. An Open Door and A Skeleton Painting Me is a rare 1977 self-portrait, created when Ricardo was an able-bodied, healthy man. Penalver’s deeply surrealistic imagination shines through in this piece; he was a known visionary who frequently drew and painted precise premonitions of the future, including friends who would only later arrive in his and Alexa’s lives.
Preserved safely away from sunlight for nearly 50 years, this exquisite graphite drawing retains the stunning clarity and depth it possessed the day it was created.
Description
Specifications & Framing
• Title: An Open Door and A Skeleton Painting Me (Cataloged as “My Skull”)
• Date of Creation: January 28, 1977
• Medium: Fine pencil / graphite drawing on paper
• Artwork Size: 7.5 × 10 inches
• Signature: Signed and dated by the artist (Historical record notes: Unsigned on face / documented via artist archive)
• Frame: Classic black wood wall-hanging frame (11 × 14 inches with a sleek, minimalist ¾-inch profile)
• Glazing: Polished, shatter-resistant plexiglass
• Matting: Un-matted (clean, full-bleed presentation ready for custom personalization if desired)
Authenticity & Archival Care
• Guaranteed Authentic: Accompanied by an official Ricardo Penalver Certificate of Authenticity, hand-signed by Alexa Bryson.
• Document Preservation: Includes a dedicated archival envelope attached to the reverse of the frame to keep your certificate and step-by-step framing instructions safely paired with the piece for future generations.
• Shipping: Complimentary, fully insured shipping is included in the purchase price to ensure safe transit to your collection.
• Collector’s Care Tip: To protect the delicate, vintage graphite gradients and vintage paper fibers for generations to come, display this artwork away from direct sunlight and high-humidity areas.
Original Artwork: Condition and Framing Disclaimer
Thank you for considering an original work of art by Ricardo Penalver. Some pieces were created on the back of flyers and may have stains or small tears along the edges. Ricardo had a limited budget for art supplies. He painted and drew on many types of paper, using whatever materials were available to him. We preserve his artwork as he originally created it, including these imperfections. Please keep these condition details in mind when considering your purchase. We want you to know what to expect so you can purchase with confidence.
We will ship your artwork in a temporary frame without matting or UV-protective glass. Because of its design and materials, this frame is for temporary use, not long-term preservation. Your purchase includes Framing Instructions to help you plan how to display and care for your piece. We encourage you to follow these instructions and choose museum-quality framing. This will help preserve your artwork so you can enjoy it for years to come.
Please contact Ricardo’s Art 37 before purchasing if you have questions about a painting or drawing condition or framing. We welcome your questions and are happy to help you feel comfortable with your choice. We want you to feel informed and confident about the artwork you bring home.
