A rare and intimate work on paper by Jasper Johns, depicting the American flag rendered in fluid black ink on plastic, executed in Johns's characteristic monochromatic palette with organic, pooling washes. The flag floats within a dramatically darkened surround of bleeding ink, creating an atmospheric, almost spectral effect. Inscribed below the image in the artist's hand: 'for Mark – Jasper – 1 Jan 1977,' indicating this is a personal dedication from Johns to a named recipient, adding exceptional provenance significance. The work belongs to Johns's enduring 'Flags' series, one of the most iconic motifs in post-war American art.