Andy Warhol Buffalo Nickel (F & S II.374) For Sale

The first Cowboys and Indians series consists of four graphic screen prints, one of which is Buffalo Nickel. Warhol contrasts iconic Western figures and lesser-known Native American items to depict America's idealised view of the American West in this series. This print is a reference to Warhol fascination with culturally important artefacts, whether that be a lifesaver sweet or a Native American nickel. Warhol transforms a historical artefact into a commercialised object, elevating it to Pop Art icon status. Warhol expanded on this notion in his second Cowboys and Indians series later that same year, juxtaposes other Native American artefacts, such as Kachina Dolls and a Plains Indian Shield with commercialised Hollywood Western tropes. This series provokes a rethinking of the way the west has mystified and appropriated Native American culture, and the problematic portrayal of their culture in mainstream media.

This print acts as an illustration of Warhol’s attempt to mimic the historical. Here, Warhol depicts one side of a Buffalo nickel. The Buffalo coin was circulated from 1913 to 1938, and the design was created by James Earle Fraser. He adds a slight element of depth to the image, as the three dimensionality of the coin is hinted at around the print. Inside the coin, Warhol draws an outline of a buffalo, using grey and blue tones to add detail and texture. This piece stands out from Warhol’s usual style due to its monochromatic colour scheme, and is an example of where Warhol maintained a level of reality through the colours used. Around the Buffalo are the words ‘united states of America’ and ‘five cents’, to add somewhat of a layer of realism to the print. This print is particularly reminiscent of Indian Head Nickel from Warhol’s second Cowboys and Indians portfolio, where he depicts another Native American coin.

Through the formation of this series, the aim was not to be historically accurate, but rather to create a dramatised and popularised version of the wild west, as that was the popular culture version of it. By using the medias version of history, Warhol manages to both capture the spirit of the ‘Wild West’, whilst also provoking questions about notions of appropriation and representation.

Buy Andy Warhol Buffalo Nickel (F & S II.374)

Andipa Editions, as part of Andipa, have been at the forefront of the Warhol market for over 20 years. To enquire about buying  Buffalo Nickel (F & S II.374) by Andy Warhol, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371.

Sell Andy Warhol Buffalo Nickel (F & S II.374) by Andy Warhol

With a global network of active buyers, Andipa Editions are the place to sell your Buffalo Nickel (F & S II.374) print. Straight-forward and stress-free, we manage the process on your behalf and help to maximise your return. For a complimentary valuation of your Buffalo Nickel (F & S II.374) print, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371. Explore our collection of Andy Warhol original prints for sale.