The Value of Collecting Andy Warhol Screen Prints

Investment, Influence, and Iconography
July 17, 2023
Warhol Vesuvius

An Art Market Powerhouse


Andy Warhol's works, including his screenprints, consistently fetch high prices in the global art market. Warhol's screen prints, such as 'Marilyn Monroe' (1967) or 'Campbell's Soup Cans' (1962), are some of the most recognizable pieces of art worldwide. 


Investing in Warhol's screen prints is not just about the love of art; it can also be a savvy business decision. Globally demand for Warhol’s art continues to appreciate as collectors seek pieces of influential, art history for their collections. The value of the world continue to remain steady in value due to his enduring popularity and the limited number of prints remaining in circulation. His works are highly sought after by art collectors, with pieces frequently achieving record-breaking sums at auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's.


Influence and Impact


Collecting Warhol's screen prints also offers an opportunity to own a piece of an influential art movement. As one of the leading figures in the Pop Art movement, Warhol's work revolutionised contemporary art, challenging established ideas about what could be classified as art. 


His innovative use of screenprinting, a commercial technique, allowed him to reproduce images en masse, aligning art with commodity culture. This technique and approach had a profound impact on the art world, influencing subsequent art movements and artists. A Warhol screenprint represents this seismic shift in art production and perception, making it a significant addition to any art collection.


 Iconic Subject Matter


Warhol's screen prints often feature recognizable and iconic imagery. From portraits of celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly to everyday objects like Campbell's soup cans and Coca Cola bottles, Warhol turned pop culture icons into art. 


These works not only comment on the nature of fame and consumer culture but have themselves become cultural icons. Owning a Warhol screenprint means owning a piece of iconic imagery that is instantly recognizable and resonates with a wide audience. These iconic prints become conversation starters, drawing attention and sparking debate.


Historical Significance


Finally, Warhol's screen prints provide a snapshot of a particular era in American history. They encapsulate the commercial boom of post-war America and reflect the societal fascination with celebrity culture and consumerism. As such, these works are not just pieces of art but also cultural artefacts that document and comment on a specific moment in time. 


Collecting Warhol's screen prints offers a way to engage with these historical and cultural narratives, enriching the collector's understanding of the socio-cultural context of the mid-20th century.


Andy Warhol's screen prints hold an indisputable place in art history. They are vibrant, provocative, and instantly recognisable, embodying the ethos of a significant cultural movement. Whether for the love of art, an investment, or the desire to own a piece of cultural history, collecting Warhol's screen prints is a rewarding endeavour. As Warhol himself once said, "Art is what you can get away with." Owning a Warhol screenprint is not just owning a piece of art; it's owning a piece of art history and an icon of pop culture.

 

Discover more on Warhol in our article how to authenticate a Warhol print.


Discover our collection of Andy Warhol signed prints for sale and contact sales@andipa.com or call +44 (0)20 7589 2371.

About the author

Alex Yellop