Victor Moscoso 1967 Work-Up Art for FD-40 "Hippie Santa Claus" Grateful Dead Concert Poster....

Description

THE BIRTH OF A 1966 GRATEFUL DEAD CONCERT POSTER

Victor Moscoso 1967 Work-Up Art for FD-40 "Hippie Santa Claus" Grateful Dead Concert Poster. Something quite different and special here... no less than the original work-up art, done entirely in Victor Moscoso's hand, for the poster that would eventually become FD-40. That poster, of course, advertised the Grateful Dead, Steve Miller Blues Band and Moby Grape playing at the Avalon Ballroom on Friday and Saturday nights, December 23 & 24, 1966. Known as FD-40 in the Family Dog numbered series, the poster is nicknamed "Hippie Santa Claus."

This art piece was framed by Moscoso himself, or the family... our consignor bought it directly from Victor and this is just how it came to him. One family member told our consignor that Victor had it hanging in his house and just took it down off the wall and sold it to him.

The piece comes with a nice, official Letter of Authenticity from Moscoso, much of which we've redacted in the on-line listing to protect everyone's privacy.

It's fun to look at this work-up art and the finished poster side-by-side, and notice how things changed in the final draft. Notice how Victor was experimenting with having the Grateful Dead's name in two or three different places, including in a hat on Santa.

The watercolor artwork itself measures about 5" x 7 ¼" including Moscoso's signature. The piece of white artist's paper it was painted on measures 8 1/2" x 10". And the overall dimensions of the frame measure out at 15 1/4" x 17 1/4". The piece grades to overall excellent condition. COA from Heritage Auctions.

More Information: Our "overall excellent" grade is just a very basic observation that nothing's Mint and nothing's terrible. The art piece also has lots of little color specs and such which are not unusual in an art-studio setting.

Condition details: Notice the artist's markings and blemishes on the white sheet where the artwork was executed, including a dark stain on the left edge.


Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.