And The Winner Is…..LeRoy Neiman

American Fine Art presented art collectors, aficionados and enthusiasts the opportunity to cast their votes in their exhibit Battle of the Mustache: Neiman, Dali, and Max an exhibition of artists known for their iconic mustaches – Leroy Neiman, Salvador Dali, and Peter Max. The results were overwhelming, and I must say, a bit surprising. Given that Dali’s mustache has its own Wikipedia page, a book, and a 40-foot-long, 14-foot-tall sculpture outside the Dali museum in Saint Petersburg, Florida as well as the previous title of “most famous of all time” from a 2010 poll I thought him a shoe-in.

However, LeRoy Neiman proved once again to be a fan favorite.  Described as “luxurious”, “instantly recognizable” and “extremely large” LeRoy Neiman’s handlebar mustache was as much a part of his presence as his kaleidoscopic palette.  Both are almost always mentioned when discussing the artist and his work.  While this impressive `stache doesn’t have its own book or reference webpage, it does have a track record of over six decades which helped it claim the first place position in the Battle of the Mustache. 

The first runner up, Peter Max! Bringing with it more of a hippie vibe, Peter Max’s mustache was trimmed down from a full beard.  He has donned his mustache in varying fullness since the 70’s.  Max is often pictured with his iconic mustache and wide smile flashing a peace sign. His mustache may not be quite as iconic as his colorful cosmic artwork, but collectors who cast their votes at American Fine Art put him in second place with a substantial lead of Salvador Dali in the Battle of the Mustache. 

Despite all of the merchandise as well as tattooed bodies donning this infamous mustache, Salvador Dali came in third in the Battle of the Mustache.  Salvador Dali’s mustache has become a primary part of his carefully crafted persona, which is why a few at American Fine Art were a bit surprised to find time and time again the votes for Neiman & Max far exceeding those for Dali. It turns out that his fantastically surreal visions and artist creations are more favored than his facial hair, at least by those collectors at the Battle of the Mustache. 

The Gallery Director explained that “The onlookers new to the gallery were a bit confused whether they were voting on the art or the artist, but the masses have voted and LeRoy was the winner!  Like so many of his amazing pieces, the power and uniqueness really strikes a chord with the public.  I believe that is why the Chronicler of the Good Life, Mr. Neiman, won hand over mustache down over the great surrealist Salvador Dali and the prince of POP Peter Max.”

Thank you to all those who voted, attended, and collected at the Battle of the Mustache: Neiman, Dali, and Max. American Fine Art, Inc. proudly features the largest collection of LeRoy Neiman in the world. As secondary market specialists, whether you are buying, selling, or in need of appraisal services the gallery is here to assist you with your fine art collection.  The original works of Salvador Dali and Peter Max are also a mainstay at the gallery, if you missed the exhibit and are still interested in acquiring works by these masters contact the gallery for current pricing and availability.