“Subject of painting, John Barrymore was the kingpin of Hollywood’s Bad Boy Club, “The Bundy Drive Boys.” His legendary exploits along with cronies Errol Flynn, W. C. Fields, and Hollywood’s madcap artist, John Decker, are detailed in the book, “Hollywood’s Hellfire Club,” 2007, Feral House Publishing. This painting is by Decker who portrays Barrymore putting on his tights before a stage performance. Painting is Oil on Board, 22″X28″ housed in a non-vintage frame, with overall outer dimensions of 29 1/2″X 35 1/2″.”
— David DeWitt
Quasi-Quotes from Shakespeare:
Though this be madness, yet there be method in’t.
There is nothing either good or bad, except tights too tight on an actor too tight.
Oh, what an untimely painting.
Alas, poor Barrymore.
Decker was over-rated. This looks more like a cartoon caricature than a painting.