Paul & Balthazar Getty, 1979

John Paul and his wife Martine Getty were friends of mine who lived in San Francisco. They had two children, Balthazar and Anna. Balthazar is now a well-known actor, but when this photo was taken he was just a four-year-old kid. Balthazar picked up this cocktail parasol to pose with.

Paul himself, had risen above some terrible afflictions, having been kidnapped and had his ear cut off as a ransom threat when he was 17. A drug-overdose caused him to have a stroke, which left him disabled for the rest of his life. He passed away in February 2011. This is such a happy, innocent picture, taken before all those events. That is the Paul I remember. 

Collector's Notes:
Carinthia West's photographs are printed to order in the UK, please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. Each photograph will be hand-signed by the artist. Buyers will receive a certificate of authenticity following delivery of the artwork.