A framed lithograph poster from the celebrated Absolut Vodka Statehood series — the Massachusetts state print after an original gouache on paper by Tony De Luz. Matted and presented in a wood frame. The lot includes two important hardcover reference books that document this very image: Absolut Statehood: 51 Painters (1993, 114 pp.) and The Absolut Book (1996, 274 pp.), each containing images of the lithograph in this lot.

The Absolut Statehood project was one of the most ambitious and celebrated intersections of fine art and advertising in American cultural history. Commissioned by Absolut Vodka and benefiting DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS), 51 contemporary American painters were each assigned a US state or district to interpret in their own artistic voice. The resulting lithographs were featured in USA Today every two weeks for two years, reaching an audience of millions, and the complete portfolio was published in a limited edition of 400 signed sets.

Tony De Luz is a Massachusetts-based artist whose vibrant, folk art-inflected imagery brought a distinctly New England character to his state's representation in the series.

Details:

• Artist: Tony De Luz
• Subject: Massachusetts — Absolut Statehood series
• Medium: Lithograph poster after original gouache on paper
• Poster Sight Size: 34.25" × 23.75"
• Framed Size: 43.5" × 37"
• Presentation: Matted and wood framed

Included Books:

• Absolut Statehood: 51 Painters — hardcover with dust jacket, 1993, 114 pp. (12" × 9")
• The Absolut Book — hardcover with dust jacket, 1996, 274 pp. (12" × 10")
• Both books contain images of the Tony De Luz Massachusetts lithograph

Condition:

Very good overall condition.

• Source: Litchfield Auctions, Litchfield, CT
• Auction Date: January 31, 2024
• Lot Number: 171

A ready-to-hang framed Absolut Statehood print complete with its two primary reference books — a self-contained collector's package for anyone drawn to the Absolut art campaign, Americana, or the DIFFA legacy. See also our listing for the complete Absolut Statehood portfolio of all 51 signed prints (edition 41/400) available separately.