Unique screenprint on Kraft paper
USA, 1986
Andy Warhol (1928-1987) – American Pop artist
Stamped with the Estate of Andy Warhol and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. ink stamp verso
Full sheet printed; framed, floating in frame
Sheet dimensions: 36 x 35 ¾ in. (94.1 x 91 cm.)
Overall dimensions: 38 ¾ x 38 ¾ in. (98.4 x 98.4 cm.)
Provenance: Andy Warhol Foundation, New York; Private Collection, Philadelphia

Inspired by Martha Graham – “the Mother of Modern Dance” – Andy Warhol created three portraits based on the dancer and choreographer’s ballets. Presented here is based Graham’s iconic solo, “Lamentation” which she first performed in 1930. Sitting on a bench, Graham was wrapped in a stretchy shroud with only her hands, feet and face showing. Writhing and twisting within the fabric, she danced not to about sorrow, but as the pure embodiment of grief. Warhol captures her in this screenprint as she stretches her elbow away from her torso, freezing her movements as a modern Madonna.

Executed in 1986, this unique screenprint on Kraft paper is stamped with the Estate of Andy Warhol and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. ink stamp verso. Framed in plexi, the sheet measures 36 x 35 ¾ inches. Sheet gently waved due to innate paper qualities and mounting. A few lighter blue discolorations within dark blue ink fields possibly due to adhesive used verso. The most noticeable area of discoloration is at the extreme upper left corner and covers an area approx. 1 x 1 in. Sheet has been entirely ripped from top to bottom of print running vertically down sheet to right of figure and although expertly repaired, it is still evident when viewed under raking light. A few lighter, minor discolorations in dark blue areas visible in several areas.

Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987)

Arguably one of the most influential American artists, Andy Warhol was a leading figure in the Pop art movement. He is particularly known for the breadth of his oeuvre, as it encompassed painting, hand drawing, printmaking, photography, silk screening, sculpture, film and music. Fascinated with celebrity culture and status, his silkscreens of pop icons and mundane objects were particularly successful and cemented his place as a “celebrity” artist. His studio, The Factory, was a famous gathering place that brought together distinguished intellectuals, drag queens, playwrights, Hollywood celebrities, and wealthy patrons. As early as the 1970s galleries started exhibiting Warhol’s work, which is now part of some of the most renowned collections worldwide, including the Modern Museum of Art, New York; Tate Modern, London; and d’Art Moderne, Paris.