Revillon Fur Cape with design by Ford Ruthling, 1980-90s

This Revillon cape features a design by Ford Ruthling (1933-2015), a Santa Fe artist, known as a ‘master in multiple mediums’; he worked in watercolor, tin, wood, clay, iron, paper and, in this rare version, fur. Ruthling was born in 1933 in Tesuque, New Mexico and became famous for his realistic detailed painted Pueblo pottery set within a surrealist background. In the 2016 book ‘Unbuttoned: Gay Life in the Santa Fe Arts Scene’, Ford Ruthling is described as, ‘a gay playboy and the leader of a great circle of likeminded artists and artistic types back in the 1970s’. Ruthling’s works are in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the Dallas Museum of Fine Art, and the New Mexico Museum of Art, as well as many private collections.

Black sheared mink fur cape with pieced totem faces and symbols in white, tan, blue, and black, and trimmed with black fox fur around the neckline and hem, and front hinged clasp closures.
Label: Revillon
Second Label: Zuki
Size Label: Unlabeled
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 28"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 41"

Condition:

The overall condition is very good though there is a faint blue mark on the front left face going over the right eye.

Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email us with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Timothy Long

Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312.334.4222

Mr. Long has nearly 20 years of experience as a curator of fashion and decorative arts in museums including the Museum of London, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Chicago History Museum. At Hindman, he works with individual clients, collectors, dealers, and museums to bring to auction collections of couture and luxury accessories. Mr. Long’s recent publications include Charles James: Designer in Detail and a chapter on the same designer in London Couture: British Luxury 1923–1975, both published by V&A Publishing.

Michael Hall

Cataloguer, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312 280 1212

Summer Fashion & Accessories

Revillon Fur Cape with design by Ford Ruthling, 1980-90s

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup