This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/31/2020
This lot features a canvas print of a painting by artist Karen O’Neil Ganci illustrating the cast of the television series “The Sopranos,” signed by 15 of the actors portrayed in the painting, including the late series star, James Gandolfini. Gandolfini is portrayed in the center of the painting in character as “Tony Soprano.” The late actor has signed his name in the canvas’s border in black marker. Over his head are the image of his eyes; to the left, an image of him in his psychiatrist’s office; to the right, an image of him at a restaurant table with his wife. In the bottom left corner is an image of a family dinner with his mother at the head of the table. On the bottom right corner is an image of “Tony Soprano” seated outside Satriale’s Pork storefront. The painting has a border in red that includes the image of a gun like that used in the TV series’ opening title sequence in the upper left corner. Display measures 38x44 overall.
Across the top row are the images of the actors from the show as their respective characters: Tony Sirico (Paulie Walnuts); Lorraine Bracco (Dr. Melfi); John Ventimiglia (Artie Bucco); Dominic Chianese (Uncle Junior). The middle row has the images of Steve Schirripa (Bobby); Steve Van Zandt (Silvio); Edie Falco (Carmella); and Vincent Pastore (Big Pussy). The bottom row features Federico Castelluccio (Furio); Aida Turturro (Janice); Robert Iler (Anthony); Jamie Lynn-Sigler (Meadow); Michael Imperioli (Christopher) and Drea DeMatteo (Adrianna). The actors have signed their names on the white border of the canvas in black marker.
The artist has signed her name in black marker under the painting and is marked “376/500” in black marker in the center. The canvas has been matted and framed to a dimension of 39 x 46 inches. There are marks and abrasions on the black frame, none of which impact the signatures. “The Sopranos” followed the story of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a New Jersey-based Italian American mobster, and portrays the difficulties that he faces as he tries to balance his family life with his role as the leader of a criminal organization. These are explored during his therapy sessions with psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco). The series features Tony's family members, mafia colleagues, and rivals in prominent roles—most notably his wife, Carmela (Edie Falco), and his protégé/cousin, Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli). The show premiered on HBO on January 10, 1999, running for six seasons and totaling 86 episodes until June 10, 2007. Gandolfini died June 19, 2013 and the artist has dated this canvas from 2001.
(JSA/James Spence Auction Authentication; Field of Dreams)