Haunting limited edition 30 x 23 lithograph of one of John's finest erotic works depicting Lennon, lying between Yoko Ono’s nude spread legs, numbered #100/300, signed in pencil at the bottom, “John Lennon.” The early months of 1969 saw the marriage of John & Yoko, along with the “Bed Ins,” and their ongoing campaign for world peace. During their honeymoon in Amsterdam, John used drawing materials previously sent to him and created a series of drawings, mostly of Yoko and himself. By September, John had completed a set of ten drawings, but he was reluctant to speak about the new works. The new set depicted John and Yoko in various acts of love and thus the reason for John’s insecurity. By the time the lithographs were ready for signing, December had arrived. John and Yoko were in Toronto planning a peace festival and were staying at the farm house of musician Ronnie Hawkins. The lithographs were shipped to Toronto and John methodically scrawled his name over and over again. It was reported that this was done over endless joints and cups of tea. John had completed the signing of all three thousand lithographs, and was ready for release. In January 1970, the first exhibition was held at the London Arts Gallery. John and Yoko were in Denmark when the show opened. During the second day of the exhibition, the gallery was raided by Scotland Yard and eight lithographs were confiscated. A complaint was filed that the gallery had “exhibited to the public eight indecent prints to the annoyance of passengers." When the case came to court several months later, a Picasso lithograph and catalog of Picasso drawings were produced at Marlborough Street Magistrates Court for comparison with Lennon’s. Ultimately, the case was dismissed and the decision was that it was unlikely that John’s prints would corrupt or deprave. The American opening was a lavish affair held at the Lee Nordness Gallery in New York. All of New York’s art community turned out for the event, including Salvadore Dali. The complete set of Bag One lithographs is on permanent display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. In fine condition, with some mild edge toning from previous display. COA Roger Epperson/REAL and R&R COA.
