Seashell and Conch Drinking Glasses

Acrylic , 30 x 40 in.

In what was intended to be a group portrait, the Clarke brothers (their surname is all we know) and other bewigged gentlemen sit or stand around a covered table on which there are decanters of wine and a clear glass carafe. All of the tapered conical glasses are empty except for that of the seated gentleman, presumably one of the Clarke brothers, looking out at the viewer. On the left, a servant can be seen filling a decanter from a large wine cooler on the floor, while a servant boy next to him holds a tray of glasses, watching and waiting for the bottle to be filled. On the table next to them is a two-handled ceremonial drinking cup. In addition to the gentlemen's dress and deportment, the paintings and decorative overmantel behind them attest to their culture and refinement.

Pepsi-Cola advertisement (1971).

First half of October, 2025