Wesselmann, Tom 1931 Cincinnati - 2004 New York Number Nine. 2003. Oil on aluminum cut-out (steelcut), 266 x 292 x 53cm. Signed and dated thrice on verso: Wesselmann 03 (in felt pen and incised twice). Verso with notes on title, size and technique as well as with installation instruction (in anonymous hand) The object consists of three parts which fit into each other. The central element verso is denoted TOM WESSELMANN NUMBER NINE (MIDDLE/BOTTOM). The original transport box is available as well as the written installation instruction. Provenance: Gallery Hans Mayer, Düsseldorf Literature: John Wilmerding, Tom Wesselmann. His voice and vision, New York 2008, fig. p.234. In his late works Wesselmann turned to abstraction. Between 1994 and 2004 he created nearly 100 abstract works, among these also large-formate aluminum cut-outs. His abstract works consist of elements which seem to have emerged from landscapes, interiors or figure studies, yet without reflecting their initial function. His abstract works show Wesselmann's affinity to Abstract Expressionism and de Kooning's works. As regards "Number Nine", Wesselmann refers to the work by American proto Pop Art artist Stuart Davis.