Forgoing the rich colours of his subject matter, Wayne Thiebaud chose to render these four slices of a cherry-topped frosted cake as bold monochrome wedges. The white of the sheet plays a crucial role, working with the black ink to create form, pattern and a play between positive and negative space. This skilful handling of black and white may derive from Thiebaud’s early career as an illustrator. Although influenced by older artists, such as Paul Cézanne, Thiebaud’s still lifes depict the objects of his time, especially those found in the diners and shops of 1960s America.

acquired directly from the artist by Mr and Mrs Allan Stone, New York, by 1985 [when loaned to exh.]; acquired from them by John Berggruen Gallery, San Francisco, 2000; purchased there by Howard Karshan (1933-2017), 31 January 2000 [invoice in file]; Promised gift by Linda Karshan in memory of her husband, Howard Karshan. On long-term loan to The Courtauld Gallery, London.

Wayne Thiebaud drawings, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 10/10/2025-18/01/2026

Modern Drawings: The Karshan Gift, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 19/11/2021-09/01/2022

Fifty Years of American Drawing 1930-1980, The Menil Collection, Houston, Texas, 1985; Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Paris, 03/05/1985-01/07/1985; Stadel Museum, Frankfurt, 27/11/1985-26/01/1986 ...More

Modern Drawings: The Karshan Gift, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 20 Nov. 2021 - 9 Jan. 2022
cat. no. 19
Fig. p. p. 99

Cinquante ans de dessins americains 1930-1980, Houston, Paris and Frankfurt 1985-86, 1985
cat. no. 45
Fig. p. p. 99

Watermark: Watermark: "STRATHMORE".

Inscription: Recto: lower right, graphite, signed and dated: "Thiebaud 1963".

Stamp: Frame, Verso: centre, stamped twice in red, former owner: “ALLAN STONE GALLERIES, INC. / 48 EAST 86TH STREET / NEW YORK 28 N.Y.”.

Label: Frame, Verso: upper left, black ink printed on white label: “WAYNE THIEBAUD / Cake Slices / 1963 / Ink on Paper / 8 ½” high x 9 ½” wide, / Image size / Signed & Dated / JEREMY STONE GALLERY / 26 POST SAN FRANCISCA CA 94108”; upper centre, black ink printed on white label: “CAUTION / THIS PICTURE IS FRAMED WITH / ACRYLIC / INSTEAD OF GLASS / FOR MAXIMUM CLARITY & SAFETY / *Don’t clean with solvents or household cleaners. / *Clean only with mild detergent and water.”; upper centre, graphite on red label: “W.T. ‘5”; left centre, black ink printed on white label: “THE MENIL COLLECTION 1427 BRANARD HOUSTON TEXAS 77006 / FIFTY YEARS OF AMERICAN DRAWINGS: 1930-1980 / Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Paris – May 3 to July 11, 1985 / Stadel Museum, Frnakfurt – Nov. 27, 1985 to Jan. 26, ’86 / Cat. No. 45 / Wayne Thiebaud / Cake Slices, 1963 / Graphite, ink on paper / Private Collection, courtesy of Allan / Stone Gallery, New York” and added below in graphite: “K 5”; right centre, orange and black ink printed on white label: “Allan Stone Gallery / Wayne Thiebaud / Cakes[sic] Slices, 1963 / Graphite, ink on paper / 8 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches / 113 East 90th Street, New York, NY 10128 Tel. 212.987.4997”; black ink printed on white label, with barcode, on wire: “TMP 2013-013.102 / Thiebaud, Wayne / Cake Slices [drawing]”; left centre, blue ink printed on white label, filled in with ballpoint: “REGENCY WORLDWIDE PACKING, INC. / 33-31 GREENPOINT AVENUE - LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101 - TEL (212) 729-8877 / LOT / A2202 / De Menil / PIECE # / 27 / Thiebaud / Stone Gallery”; centre, black ink printed on white label: “JOHN BERGGRUEN GALLERY / 228 GRANT AVENUE SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94108 / Wayne Thiebaud / Cake Slices 1963 / Graphite, ink on paper / 8 ½” x 9 ½””; right centre, black ink printed on white label with image of drawing: “TMP 2013-013.102 / Wayne Thiebaud / Cake Slices, 1963 / graphite and ink, 8 ½ x 9 / ½ in.”; lower left, black ink printed on now-browned label: “RICE MUSEUM, RICE UNIVERSITY P.O. BOX 1892 HOUSTON, TX. 77251 / Temp 44-1985-1 / Wayne Thiebaud / Cake Slices / Graphite, ink on paper / Lender: Private Collection, Courtesy / of Allan Stone Gallery, New York / CAT. 45”.