Up for sale is an extremely rare signed print entitled "First Day of School" by Larry Rivers (1923 - 2002). This piece is numbered 18/40 and is signed "Larry Rivers '79."

"First Day of School" was featured on page 27 of the September 4, 1979 New York Times Newspaper. I have included a screenshot of that newspaper page, as well as a close-up PDF picture acquired via a paid subscription to The New York Times "TimesMachine Archive Article Viewer."

Not only was this print featured in the New York Times Newspaper, only 40 of these signed prints exist! This is an extremely sought after piece.

This piece was acquired at an estate auction. After several hours of research, we found that this print has also been referred to as "1st Day of School" and "School Days." This print is matted and wrapped. The length and width of the piece (with matting) extend 16 inches by 16 inches. Based on our research, the only time we have found that this print has been sold was in November 11, 1999. That print was numbered 8/40 and sold at Swann Auction Galleries in New York. This print may have been sold other times, but we were unable to locate those listings.

On the bottom left of the print is a stamp by Styria Studio, located in New York. This stamp is a blind stamp and is only halfway showing.

This print is matted and wrapped in a clear plastic. The print appears in good condition. This is a very intricate print because it features a piece of loose leaf that appears to be taped on all four corners to the paper beneath. The details of the print are depicted across this loose leaf as well the paper behind it. Depicted are the side-profile of a person's face looking to the left, a tape dispenser, a pencil, a pair of scissors, a bandage,and a three-headed figure. There is also a small area of coffee stain on the loose leaf paper. I believe that this is part of the detail of the artwork, but am not sure. The detail on this piece is phenomenal.

If there are any questions on this piece, please contact me. Thanks.