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"Goldfinger Richard Chopping Artist Proof Framed Sheet" (SOLD)

Art Sz: 23"H x 18"W

Frame Sz: 33"H x 28"W

Richard Wasey Chopping (1917-2008) was a British illustrator and author, painting in the trompe l'oeil style to create a realistic and almost three-dimensional appearance. Among his illustrations are nine iconic covers for the James Bond books by Ian Fleming, published between 1957 and 1966, and the cover of John Gardner's first Bond continuation novel, Licence Renewed (1981). Chopping was born in Colchester, Essex and educated at Gresham's School, Holt, Norfolk. He lived in the historic village of Wivenhoe for over sixty years, founding an artist community which counted Francis Bacon as a member.

The artwork for Goldfinger is one of the most famous of the series, and comprised a skull, with gold coins set in the eye sockets, with a rose between the teeth (flowers being a running theme that were used in four of Chopping's James Bond covers, with roses being chosen twice).