Photos: American Fine Art, Inc. archives ©
American Fine Art presented art collectors and enthusiasts the opportunity to cast their votes in their exhibit Battle of the Mustache: Neiman, Dali, and Max. The results were overwhelming, and a bit surprising given that Dali’s moustache has its own Wikipedia page, a book and the previous title of “most famous of all time” from a 2010 poll.
However, LeRoy Neiman proved once again to be a fan favourite. Described as “luxurious”, “instantly recognizable” and “extremely large” LeRoy Neiman’s handlebar moustache was as much a part of his presence as his kaleidoscopic palette. 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 is often pictured with his iconic moustache and wide smile flashing a peace sign. His moustache may not be quite as iconic as his colourful 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.
LeRoy Neiman Self Portrait
Despite all of the notoriety, Salvador Dali came in third in the Battle of the Mustache. Salvador Dali’s moustache 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 Dali outvoted. It turns out that his fantastically surreal visions and artist creations are more favoured than his facial hair, at least by those collectors at the Battle of the Mustache.
The Gallery Director explained, “Like so many of his amazing pieces, the power and uniqueness really strike a chord with the public. I believe that is why the Chronicler of the Good Life, Mr. Neiman, won hand over moustache down over the great surrealist Salvador Dali and the prince of POP Peter Max.”
