When Bruce and Jean Conner moved to Mexico in 1961, their friend Wayne Thiebaud sent them a postcard announcement for his upcoming gallery show of paintings of pies (his first exhibition of the now iconic subject). In response, Bruce wrote to Wayne ordering "a slice of chocolate," and shortly thereafter received this sumptuous pie slice painting--through the mail.

Sent by mail while still wet in 1961, Jean reports that that the three spots of paint loss in the meringue were stuck to the package came off when they opened it. Jean always believed that they should remain as they were an integral part of the story of the painting.

The inscription on the back, visible through the newly applied frame, reads:

"Bruce Conner -
Here is the chocolate
one you ordered fresh from the oven,
Hope you enjoy
each bite -
How's Mexico?
Good luck
Wayne"