Andy Warhol Alexander the Great Portfolio (F & S II.291-292)

Alexander the Great is portfolio of two screenprints published by the artist in 1982 of the eponymous Greek leader. These magnificent prints portray Alexander in profile against vivid red background. In keeping with the ancient historical influence, Warhol’s Alexander is inspired by sculpture, and the texture and tone of Bronze is mimicked in the unevenness of colour in his face.  

Alexander the Great was published in cooperation with the Hellenic Heritage Foundation to coincide with an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, ‘The Search for Alexander’. At this later stage in Warhol’s career, he had sought inspiration among many of history’s great minds – such as Goethe (1982) or Botticelli (Birth of Venus, 1982). This present work, however, took on new heights both in subject matter and in form, being Warhol’s most Ancient icon. Arguably, only Warhol could paint both a modern star such as Marilyn Monroe and a classical subject such as Alexander the Great.  Alexander The Great is most likely Warhol’s most direct reference to Ancient and Classical history. We also see the artist reference historical artists in Details of Renaissance Paintings including Leonardo Da Vinci, Piero Della Francesca, Sandro Boticelli and Paul Uccello. Explore Andy Warhol prints for sale.