Museum-quality Barely There, an authenticated early 1960s Combine by Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008). Features layered paint, Max Factor advertisements, film negatives with Jasper Johns, buttons, and printed ephemera. Direct provenance from artist's studio with comprehensive forensic authentication.
🖋️ Signature & Authentication Details
🎞️ Personal Imagery: 8mm Film Fragment
The Heart of the Combine: This close-up reveals embedded 8mm film frames showing Rauschenberg with his intimate partner, believed to be Jasper Johns. This deeply personal inclusion exemplifies Rauschenberg's groundbreaking fusion of autobiography and art—transforming private moments into museum-worthy works. The film fragments, combined with found objects and gestural painting, create a multilayered narrative that defined the Combine aesthetic and revolutionized contemporary art in the early 1960s.
Provenance note: Such personal imagery significantly enhances historical and market value, as works containing direct references to Rauschenberg's relationship with Johns are exceptionally rare.
🔍 Material Details & Surface Texture
Masterful Material Layering: This intimate close-up reveals Rauschenberg's sophisticated technique—layering found objects, printed ephemera, gestural paint strokes, and three-dimensional elements into a unified composition. The visible texture, aging patina, and material juxtapositions demonstrate authentic 1960s construction methods, confirming the work's period origin and museum-quality craftsmanship.
Detail view essential for condition assessment and authentication verification.
📜 Verso (Back) & Provenance Marks
🏛️ Professional Framing & Presentation
📦 Museum Transfer & Documentation (January 2026)
⚖️ Legal Documentation
Robert Rauschenberg, Barely There (c. 1960s), Mixed media Combine on canvas | Delivered to Trois Museum from El Paso Museum of Art, January 22, 2026
Forensic Authentication
Longevity Art Preservation (Miami, FL) — Emily MacDonald-Korth, December 18, 2017. Scientific analysis confirms authentic 1950s-1960s materials: paint, metal, fabric, wood, newsprint, photographic film, photographic reproductions on paper, printed paper, plastic, and other materials on canvas adhered to Masonite panel. Signature verified lower left corner.
I. The Artwork
Barely There, c. 1950s-1960s | Mixed media Combine on canvas adhered to Masonite panel, 33¾ × 24½ inches (85.7 × 62.2 cm) | Signed lower left
Description
- Max Factor "Barely There" advertisement
- Film negatives with Jasper Johns
- Physical buttons, printed ephemera
- Gestural paint: black, white, earth tones
II. Provenance & Legal Documentation
Artist's Studio, NYC (1962-64) → Barbara James (personal friend, 1960s) → James family descent (60 years) → Legal proceedings (2019-2025): Case No. 2019CI07417, 166th Judicial District Court, Bexar County, Texas → Court Order (Nov 5, 2025): Released to Charles Trois → El Paso Museum of Art delivery (Jan 22, 2026) → Current owner (2026) | Now at Trois Museum, Middle of Texas
Legal Title: Clear and unencumbered per District Court Order dissolving temporary injunction, signed by Judge Christine Hortick.
⚖️ Legal Documentation Available
Fourth Court of Appeals Ruling — Schumacher v. Trois, Case No. 04-22-00652-CV
Decision: Affirmed Charles Trois as sole, rightful owner of "Barely There"
Date: December 23, 2024 | Court: Fourth Court of Appeals, San Antonio, Texas
III. Exhibition & Condition
Exhibition History:
• Museum of the Gulf Coast, Port Arthur, Texas (previously exhibited)
• Trois Museum, Middle of Texas, "Rauschenberg: Rediscovered Works," January 2026 – present
Condition: Excellent with minor age-related wear. No restoration required.
🏛️ On Display at Museum of the Gulf Coast
"Barely There" on display at Museum of the Gulf Coast, captivating visitors with its intimate scale and masterful combination of found materials and personal imagery.
📍 Exhibition hosted by the Rauschenberg Foundation at Museum of the Gulf Coast, Port Arthur, Texas. The surrounding artworks visible in this gallery are also Rauschenberg pieces, providing exceptional curatorial context for "Barely There."
💑 Collectors Engaging with the Work
Universal Appeal: The intimate scale of "Barely There" (32¾ × 24¼ inches) invites close viewing and contemplation. This museum display demonstrates how Rauschenberg's Combines transcend generations—engaging contemporary viewers with the same visual complexity, autobiographical depth, and material ingenuity that defined the revolutionary 1960s art scene. The work's accessible size makes it perfect for both private collections and museum galleries.
Exhibition context: Works that engage multiple viewers demonstrate strong curatorial and investment value.
IV. Market Comparables
Buffalo II (1964): $88.8M | Untitled Combine (1963): $28.5M | Untitled (1953-54): $23.2M | Grey Wing (1959): $15.3M
💎 EXCEPTIONAL VALUE OPPORTUNITY
"Barely There" represents a remarkably competitive opportunity compared to recent Rauschenberg Combine sales—offering museum-quality provenance, forensic authentication, and intimate personal imagery. Please inquire for pricing details.
V. Investment Highlights
- Direct studio provenance with forensic authentication
- Pivotal early 1960s period with personal elements
- Rare availability—few museum-quality Combines in private hands
VI. Terms
Price: Available upon request | Location: Trois Museum, Middle of Texas | Title: Clear | Export: No restrictions
Informational only. Subject to due diligence. Buyer responsible for taxes, insurance, shipping.
Proprietary Representatives
Jason Hoar
Phone: 805-458-0693
Email: [email protected]
Serious inquiries only. All viewings by appointment. Confidentiality assured.