"Dead Cert"
On stretched canvas 36x24 inches
A horse racing, "film noir", erotic image, this was the idea of model Ceri. A former point to point jockey Ceri now has her own business specialising in vintage hair styles and accessories. Artist David had the idea of doing a "dark" period piece so the outcome painting is a combination of creative co-operation.
The model rings a horses name in lipstick before picking up the phone to place a bet. Except this is 1954 and it is illegal. Everyone in those days had an account with a turf accountant though and the "housewives choice" Lester Piggott was riding "Never Say Die", a film noir title if ever there was one! Of course the horse obliged and won the Epsom Derby and Doncaster St. Leger so the gamble pays off keeping our classy harlot in the manner to which she is accustomed.
All the props and corsetry etc are vintage or vintage inspired as are the Tatler magazines but the headline of the Sporting Life is imaginary though the head is accurate.
The minimal colour (sepia to blue tones) apart from the red lipstick and shoes give the image a sinister, maybe wicked, but alluring character; the femme fatale in her beautiful glory.
The title of the image, "Dead Cert" is taken from a Dick Francis novel of the same name to add to the malevolent but beautiful mood of our vamp's boudoir as she reclines in sheer stockings and suspenders on the dark sensuality of her (perhaps ill gotten) mink fur coat. Note too her diamond studded wrist bracelet and pearls.
"Dead Cert" of course refers to a definite certainty; so there is also some innuendo here....but she is nobody's fool...the fact she is confidently and in relaxed fashion placing the bet herself suggests this girl needs no man to keep her.
A great conversation piece; sexy moody and racing related it should also appeal to the strong but feminine woman or anyone who likes vintage and fifties nostalgia. Note the old telephone...
If you want the regular or large sizes on paper rather than on canvas please use the contact function or call as it is not possible to set the other two prices on this page.
Available in two sizes: 690x470mm at £160 or 380x280mm at £65 all part of the same numbered edition.
