Different Drummer is one of the defining images from Peter Max's 1960s Cosmic Art period. This licensed print has become unusually difficult to find, and examples rarely appear on the market. After years of watching saved searches and available listings, MacDonald Gallery has found these prints increasingly scarce.
A serene profile face is crowned by an explosion of stars and planets, floating among clouds as rainbow rays radiate outward. Max originally created the image as advertising art for a Manhattan boutique during the height of the 1960s counterculture, with the title referring to Thoreau's call to march to one's own beat.
About the Artwork
Mira develops the cosmic scene into a fuller composition, continuing the rainbow rays, stars, planets, and clouds across the surrounding mat in Max's own palette while introducing his own additions.
What you are adding to your collection is more than a Peter Max print. It is a one-of-a-kind mixed-media work, with Juan Mira's original painting transforming it into a complete framed composition. A narrow white border is intentionally retained around the print, showing that Mira's painting surrounds the licensed image without covering or altering it.
The painted mat is sealed with UV-protective varnish. The complete work is presented in a black solid wood frame and protected under tempered glass. The back is sealed with acid-free paper and finished with an embossed MacDonald Gallery seal, a laminated registration label bearing the artwork's serial number, D-rings and wire, and felt wall pads.
The Artists
Peter Max is one of the defining figures associated with American Pop Art. His work is known for vivid color, expressive figures, and imagery that has become immediately recognizable across several generations. From the cosmic imagery of the 1960s to the more painterly figures and patriotic subjects of his later work, Max developed one of the most recognizable bodies of imagery in modern American art.
Juan Mira's style traces back to a childhood surrounded by Peter Max's imagery, an influence that has remained with him throughout his career. He often works with themes associated with Max, including umbrella figures, sunsets, hearts, and flags, then develops them through his own compositions and characters.
Mira also introduces touches of realism alongside bold Pop Art color, and in some paintings creates a trompe-l'œil frame directly on the canvas for a faux-framed effect. Over time, this has grown into a distinct catalog of original Mira characters and compositions, created in the spirit of the tradition Peter Max helped define.
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Artwork Details
| Title | Different Drummer |
| Presentation | One-of-a-kind framed mixed-media Pop Art |
| Peter Max Element | Authentic licensed fine art print, 6" × 4", signed in plate |
| Juan Mira Element | Original hand-painted acrylic mat, 10" × 8", signed “Mira” |
| Framed Size | 11¼" × 9¾" |
| Frame | Black solid wood |
| Glazing | Tempered glass |
| Finish | Painted mat sealed with UV-protective varnish |
| Verso | Acid-free paper backing, embossed MacDonald Gallery seal, laminated registration label with serial number, D-rings and wire, felt wall pads |
| Documentation | Gallery Certificate of Authenticity and Bill of Sale |
| Display | Ready to hang |
Shipping
Ships via USPS Priority Mail . 1 business day handling. The framed print will be carefully packed for shipment.
Lifetime Guarantee
The original purchaser may return the artwork to MacDonald Gallery at any time for the original purchase price. The artwork may also be sold privately, and MacDonald Gallery may occasionally offer to repurchase it at a higher price.
To redeem the artwork under the Lifetime Guarantee, it must remain in its original, undamaged condition and include all original documentation.
MacDonald Gallery stands behind the quality of the artwork and its lasting place within a collection.
Gallery Provenance
This artwork is presented by MacDonald Gallery with a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity, Bill of Sale, and permanent registration record tied to its identifying serial number.
MacDonald Gallery brings more than 30 years of experience in fine art sales, including specialized Peter Max authentication expertise.
FAQ
Q: eBay's return terms provide a 60-day return period, but the listing says the artwork may be redeemed at any time. What is the difference?
A: The eBay return period applies to the original transaction. The Lifetime Guarantee continues beyond that period. The original purchaser may redeem the artwork at any time, provided it remains in its original, undamaged condition and includes all original documentation.
Q: How is the artwork registered?
A: Registration is completed automatically. The artwork has its own serial number, shown on the laminated registration label attached to the back and recorded with the Certificate of Authenticity and Bill of Sale.
Q: Is the Peter Max print hand-signed?
A: The Peter Max signature is part of the printed image and is therefore signed in plate. Juan Mira's hand-painted mat is signed by Mira.
Q: Do you combine shipping?
A: Yes. Shipping is reduced by 50% for most additional artwork purchased together.
Q: Do you accept commissioned work?
A: Yes. Please contact us through eBay messages. Once the artwork and terms have been agreed upon, the transaction will be completed through eBay.
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Curator: Adwin Blake, MacDonald Gallery, est. 2001