THE BEATLES - Ringo STARR, plaster hand matrix - Lot 156

THE BEATLES - Ringo STARR, plaster hand matrix THE BEATLES Ringo STARR, plaster hand matrix. Height (including base) 23.5cm. (Restorations) The hand matrix for Ringo Starr's Peace and Love sculpture, created by artist Brett Rhodes-Neal, is an artistic object of historic importance: conceived in 2000, for Ringo Starr's 60th birthday, this matrix was used to create the first bronze sculptures based directly on the artist's right hand print. This initial series, limited to just twelve pieces, was made for Ringo's family and close friends, with each sculpture taken directly from the original matrix designed by Rhodes-Neal, who passed away in 2017. These bronze sculptures, produced by the foundry (probably Morelli), are the only prints made directly from Rhodes-Neal's matrix, giving it a central importance in the genesis of this iconic work. The matrix thus represents the essence of Peace and Love, not only as an initial print, but also as the material foundation for a limited series of sculptural works symbolizing Ringo's commitment to peace and love. Subsequent productions, including the monumental Beverly Hills sculpture, are based on reproductions of one of these first twelve bronze sculptures, reinforcing the rarity and importance of the matrix. Indeed, subsequent sculptures, including the limited editions of 250 created for charitable institutions, were made using reproductions rather than Rhodes-Nel's original matrix. What's more, the installation of the stainless steel sculpture in Beverly Gardens Park in 2019 was supervised by Astridge International, who worked with the elements available from this reproduction, giving the work installed in Beverly Hills an indirect but profound filiation with Rhodes-Neal's matrix. A founding piece of Ringo Starr's legacy, this matrix is the original incarnation of the Peace and Love work.