Andy Warhol (Am., 1928-1987), Marilyn Monroe
screen print in colors on paper, unsigned, presented in modern silver frame under plexiglass.
SS 32.5 x 32.5 in.; DOA 33 x 33 in.


Originally produced after Marilyn's death in 1962, this image was produced in a series of 10 various color combinations, transforming a still shot into a Hollywood and art historical icon.
Accompanying letter of provenance states: "In 1981 I was working at the Nourse Gallery in Georgetown (DC; 3217 N St, NW), doing the matting, framing and sales. Chip Nourse, the owner, one evening, went to a hotel on K St., at 12th or 13th St, as I recall, and bought four Warhol Marilyn's. His understanding was that one of Warhol's silk-screeners and Warhol had had a serious falling out, whereupon the screener had taken the 'Marilyn' silks and gone to Europe. When in need of funds, or perhaps to annoy the artist, he printed a few copies and sent them with a European art dealer who came yearly to the K St. location to sell works on paper. / Mr. Nourse had me frame one, while the others were to be left unframed. / Warhol was in DC that year for the opening of his show at the Corcoran, as well as to promote his new magazine, 'Interview.' / I learned that Warhol was to be at a boutique along Wisconsin Avenue one afternoon, and for anyone who brought a copy of the magazine, he would sign anything of his. / I grabbed the three unframed copies of the 'Marilyn' and took them to be signed. As I got to Warhol and had laid out the prints, one of Warhol's assistants came running forward yelling: 'Don't sign those! They're stolen!' I looked at Mr. Warhol and reminded him that he had committed to signing anything of his. And, without saying anything at all, he signed all three. / When I next saw Mr. Nourse, I told him what I had done, and as my reward for quick thinking, not to mention my bold insistence to Warhol, I was given the fourth, framed and unsigned copy. / I have had it since then." -Evan Hays Sheppard, Lecturer, Department of Art, College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina.

Pen point size paint loss to nose, minor creases at corners, slight color variation streak to upper right, examined out of frame.