Andy Warhol African Elephant (FS II.293) For Sale

African Elephant is a work from the Endangered Species series, which Ronald and Frayda Feldman, environmental activists and gallerists in New York, commissioned in 1983. The commission's purpose was to increase public awareness of endangered species, as well as the harm that deforestation, hunting, and climate change do to the environment. Compared to Warhol's previous series, such as Myths or Marilyn, which concentrate on commercialism and consumer culture, this one has a more political edge, highlighting the often unseen ‘social campaigner’ side of Warhol. Therefore, the series is arguably one that is quite personal to Warhol, as he was an avid observer of nature and wildlife, and an avid animal lover. The print features the African elephant, the world’s largest terrestrial mammal. It is an animal that is critically endangered and is in danger of going extinct. It was in the year marking the tenth anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a historic legislative act designed to grant federal financing and authority to conservation initiatives, Andy Warhol created African Elephant. The African elephant has taken on a role akin to that of a poster child for this landmark act, and endangered species in general, drawing attention to the problems associated with illicit poaching and the ivory trade. 

Unlike many of the other works in this series, which use a close-up, cropped arrangement, this portrait showcases the elephant in all its glory—the full being. The elephant's wrinkled skin is depicted in all of its textured detail, with contrasting lines of green, blue, and yellow used over washes of light purple paint. When viewed from a slightly lower angle, the elephant, which was captured from a photograph by wildlife photographer Mitch Reardon, is closely cropped, revealing only a little portion of its bushy horizon and the ground it sits on. The subject is backed by a vast, pinkish sky that dwarfs the viewer and dominates the area as much as the foreground. The animal's tusks, on the other hand, are tiny yet serve as the only white in the composition, contrasting with the deep-shadowed blacks to emphasise the issue of poaching elephants for their tusks. In a technique akin to cross-hatching, Warhol aligns opposing blue and green lines over the elephant’s body to simulate the creases in the elephant's skin. The elephant appears to be gazing down at the observer, imposing its bulk and strength upon them. Warhol's vivid and evocative painting emphasises the beauty of these creatures and the significance of contributing to environmental conservation.

Buy Andy Warhol African Elephant (F & S II.293)

Andipa Editions, as part of Andipa, have been at the forefront of the Warhol market for over 20 years. To enquire about buying  African Elephant (F & S II.293) by Andy Warhol, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371.

Sell African Elephant (F & S. II 293) by Andy Warhol

With a global network of active buyers, Andipa Editions are the place to sell your Andy Warhol Adrican Elephant (F & S II.293) 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 African Elephant (F & S II.293) print, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371. Explore our collection of Andy Warhol original prints for sale.