89

ANDY WARHOL

American, 1928-1987

Orangutan, from Endangered Species, 1983

screenprint in colors on Lenox Museum board
numbered and signed in pencil lower right "TP 6/30 Andy Warhol", with publishers stamp on the reverse, published by Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, Inc., with printer's blind stamp lower left, printed by Rupert Jasen Smith, New York
38 x 38 inches

  • Provenance: Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, Inc., New York, New York; Private Collection, Connecticut

    Framed Dimensions: 52 x 52 x 1 inches

    Andy Warhol is one of the most iconic post-war American artists. His images are ubiquitous internationally even 20 years after his death. Warhol was fascinated with fame, celebrity culture, consumerism and money. These themes are prevalent throughout his works. Initially Warhol worked in advertising design moving to New York City to pursue a career as a commercial artist. In the early fifties, he started making his own works inspired by his experiences. Initially, he drew and painted but quickly moved to industrial media including screenprinting.

    Warhol employed the concepts of advertising design into his own artwork because it was a language everyone could understand. He incorporated elements of everyday American culture. In 1956, the Museum of Modern Art recognized his work and included him in his first major group show. By the 1960s, Warhol was a leading figure in the growing Pop Art movement. It was during this time that Warhol produced his best known works– Marilyn Monroe, Campbell's Soup Cans and Coca-Cola Bottles.

    The Endangered Species portfolio was commissioned and published in 1983 by Ronald Feldman, a prominent New York gallerist and dealer. Feldman and Warhol were both concerned about conservation and coastal erosion. The subjects of the Endangered Species portfolio – African Elephant, Pine Barrens Tree Frog, Giant Panda, Bald Eagle, Siberian Tiger, San Francisco Silverspot, Orangutan, Gervy's Zebra, Black Rhinoceros, and Bighorn Ram– were on the brink of extinction, many still are. Warhol's series highlights these animals as stylish portraits commanding attention from the viewer. Created ten years after the passage of the Endangered Species Act, Warhol's series was an effort to raise the public profile of these animals and draw attention to their plight.

    By 1983, Warhol had mastered color and works from this series pop with energy and vibrancy. The present lot is a trial proof 30 in which the artist experimented with different colors. In this edition the face of the Orangutan is a bronze metallic against a pink body and a lime green ground. In the final version from an edition of 150, Warhol chose blacks, yellows and browns as the primary colors creating a more muted and serious image.

    As of today, seven of ten animals featured in the series remain on the endangered species list. These works are still highly relevant bringing attention to climate change, erosion and the environmental toll on vulnerable animal populations.

    Tags: Fine Prints, 20th century, Pop Art, modern / contemporary
  • Condition: overall very good condition; a few anomalies in the ink (additional photos available upon request), hinged at the top with 4 pieces of archival tape, gold ink on the reverse.

    We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Shannon’s is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Frames on all paintings are sold "As Is". Frames may need some conservation. 
    NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE. 

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