LeRoy Neiman's "Bistro LA" Serigraph

LeRoy Neiman’s Bistro LA is inspired by the restaurant and café culture of Los Angeles, particularly during the 1970s–1980s, when L.A. emerged as an international social and artistic hub. Unlike his Paris café scenes, this work reflects the distinctly Californian interpretation of the bistro—where Hollywood personalities, artists, fashion figures, and socialites mingled in stylish, semi-public spaces. A few times when he was at the bistro, he encountered Prince Ranier of Monaco and his two children, who are pictured in the print.

Neiman spent significant time in Los Angeles and was a regular fixture in elite social environments. He was fascinated by people watching—how crowds gather, dress, interact, and perform social rituals. For Neiman, bistros were living stages where status, style, and conversation blended seamlessly.