Joe Riley's... The Phantom!

[🪦 andrew santagato ●]

Well, I just received my new 'favorite' piece to add to my collection.
It is the Late and Great Joe Riley 'Phantom' bust. This thing is absolutely stunning, and overwhelming to look at in person, as it is just a tad bigger than 1:1 scale, which I think just makes this piece that much more mind blowing to stare at.
I love the fact that Joe actually sculpted in the bald cap, and the edges of the morticians wax used foe the cheeks, to show that it's Lon Sr. in make-up. He even painted the nostrils larger, and you can see that they go past the actual nostrils. Just beautifully done in every single way. The attention to detail, right down to the paint scheme used is fantastic.
The first time I ever saw this piece was at my good friend Rich (Dahone)'s place, quite a few years back. I immediately fell in love with it and swore to myself that one day, I'd snag one. Well, that day came about a week and a half ago, when I found one on eBay, and basically sat there, with 2 minutes left in the auction, making sure that I wouldn't be outbid.
He arrived here Friday night. I now have to find a spot in my man-cave that will show this beauty off.
Anyway, here are a bunch of pics. Some with flash, some without, and a few in shadow. Enjoy!

-A