Téte-á-Téte

In the early 1960s Maddox produced many gouache works that incorporate the theme of the table. In this work we see a horizontal surface supported from below on which a collection of small forms appear. Towering over them are two larger forms, one of which forms part of the table. A similar work, entitled 'The Edible Guest', reveals Maddox's thinking: small beings are devoured by larger ones in a form of cannibalistic ritual. The fact that one of the figures is also the table itself reinforces this point: the small forms are simultaneously on the table and inside their devourer's stomach. Metaphorically, Maddox comments on the oppression of the weak. His work was becoming increasingly politicised at this time. He gave a similar work to Desmond Morris.

We are very grateful to Silvano Levy for providing the catalogue entry for this lot.