Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
The Beatles are widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful musical groups of all time. Their songs, albums, and performances have shaped the history and culture of rock and roll, and their legacy continues to inspire generations of fans and artists. But did you know that the Fab Four also had a hidden talent for painting?
In 1966, while they were on tour in Japan, the Beatles created a unique and remarkable work of art that has rarely been seen by the public. The painting, known as “Images of a Woman”, is believed to be the only artwork jointly made by all four Beatles (or at least signed by all four), and it will be up for sale at Christie’s auction house in New York on February 1, 2023.
The painting is estimated to fetch somewhere in the realm of $400,000 to $600,000, and it “crystallizes a magic moment in Beatles history,” said Christie’s specialist Casey Rogers during a phone interview. “It’s such a rarity to have a work on paper outside of their music catalog that is (a) physical relic, this tangible object with contributions from all four of The Beatles,” she said. “It’s memorabilia, it’s a work of art, it appeals to probably a much larger cross-section of collectors… It’s a wonderful piece of storytelling.”
How “Images of a Woman” was created
The story behind the painting is as fascinating as the painting itself. It was the summer of 1966, and the Beatles were in the middle of a hectic and controversial tour that had them play five shows in just three days at Japan’s famed Nippon Budokan arena. But when they weren’t performing, they were holed up in the presidential suite of the Tokyo Hilton, creating a work of art that came to be known as “Images of a Woman”.
The Beatles were given some art supplies by a visitor, according to Christie’s press release, and they soon wound up around a table, with a blank sheet of Japanese art paper in the middle and a lamp roughly centered on top of it. Each Beatle sat at a corner, painting something different. Recordings for the album that would become “Revolver” played in the background. Photographer Robert Whitaker, who was represented by the band’s manager Brian Epstein, was on hand to capture the group at work.
“I never saw them calmer or more contented than at this time,” he observed, according to Christie’s release.
The Beatles were no strangers to visual art. John Lennon and Paul McCartney had attended art school and studied the subject, too. Both George Harrison and Ringo Starr drew “often and with plenty of talent,” the Christie’s press release added. Each corner of the painting reflects a personal touch, with plenty of variety in shapes, colors, and even the paints used.
Lennon’s corner is dominated by a red sun, a blue sky, and a green landscape, with some abstract shapes and symbols. McCartney’s corner is more colorful and playful, with a yellow face, a purple flower, and a pink heart. Harrison’s corner is more geometric and minimalist, with a black square, a white circle, and a red triangle. Starr’s corner is more whimsical and humorous, with a blue bird, a green fish, and a yellow star.
The Beatles never gave their painting an official title, but it became known as “Images of a Woman” in the late 1980s when “a Japanese journalist thought he could see female genitals in Lennon’s corner,” Rogers said. The painting was also signed by all four Beatles, with their first names and a date: 66/6/30.
Why “Images of a Woman” is significant
The painting is not only a rare and valuable piece of Beatles memorabilia, but also a revealing glimpse into the band’s artistic and personal dynamics. It shows how the Beatles were able to collaborate and express themselves creatively, even in the midst of a stressful and isolated situation. It also shows how the Beatles were influenced by the art movements and trends of their time, such as pop art, abstract expressionism, and surrealism.
The painting also reflects the Beatles’ individual personalities and styles, which would become more evident and distinct in their later albums and solo careers. Lennon’s corner is more political and philosophical, McCartney’s corner is more cheerful and romantic, Harrison’s corner is more spiritual and mystical, and Starr’s corner is more quirky and humorous.
The painting also captures a pivotal moment in Beatles history, as it was made shortly before the band’s infamous “bigger than Jesus” controversy, which sparked protests and boycotts in the US and other countries. It was also made before the band’s decision to stop touring and focus on studio work, which led to their groundbreaking and experimental albums, such as “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “The White Album”.
The painting’s provenance and condition
The painting has had a long and interesting journey since it was made by the Beatles in 1966. According to Christie’s, the painting was given by the band to Tetsuaburo Shimoyama, a Japanese promoter who had helped organize their tour. Shimoyama kept the painting in his office until his death in 1973, when it was inherited by his son, who later sold it to a Japanese collector.
The painting was then acquired by a German collector, who consigned it to Christie’s in 2012. The painting was sold for $155,250 to an anonymous buyer, who is now offering it for sale again. The painting is in good condition, with some minor creases and stains, but no major damage or restoration.
The painting is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Robert Whitaker, who took the photographs of the Beatles making the painting. The letter states: “This is to certify that the painting ‘Images of a Woman’ was painted by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr in their suite at the Tokyo Hilton Hotel in June 1966. I was present at the time and photographed them painting it.”
The painting is also accompanied by a copy of Whitaker’s book “The Unseen Beatles”, which features some of the photographs of the painting session, as well as a copy of the Japanese magazine “Music Life”, which published some of the photographs in 1966.
The painting is a rare and revealing masterpiece that showcases the Beatles’ artistic talents and personalities. It is a piece of history that any Beatles fan or art lover would cherish and admire. It is a testament to the Beatles’ enduring legacy and influence, not only in music, but also in art and culture.
