Artist: Robert Mapplethorpe (American, 1946 - 1989). Title: "The Coral Sea". Medium: Original vintage photogravure. Date: Composed 1982. Printed 1988. Dimensions: Overall size: 9 7/8 x 7 5/8 in. (251 x 194 mm). Lot Note(s): Stamped with the photographer's name, verso. Edition unknown, presumed small. High-grade archival paper. Printed to the edge of the sheet. Fine, quality printing. Very good to fine condition. Comment(s): This stunning, iconic, and very scarce image depicts, at sea, the huge aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea, dwarfed by a foggy, atmospheric sky. “Gordon’s” lists only 6 sales in the past 35 years of this print, the most recent sale (and an auction record) realizing $98,500 at Sotheby's, New York, 3/302009, lot #163. Image copyright © The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation. [29661-2-600]