Andy Warhol The Star (F & S II.258) For Sale

The Star by Andy Warhol is a part of his well-known Myths series created in 1981. The series consisted of ten prints that explored the myth-making process in American popular culture. One of the two portraits in the Myths series that shows a real person rather than a mythological character is shown in The Star. It displays a crimson picture of Swedish actress Greto Garbo as Mata Hari. Garbo portrays a Dutch courtesan who is surreptitiously working as a German spy during World War I, based on a true incident. She deceives French and Russian diplomats and officers into disclosing top-secret military intelligence by using her feminine charm; nevertheless, her plot is exposed quickly, and she is cruelly hanged for espionage. The image used as the basis for the print shows the actress in one of Warhol's iconic myths, where she is timelessly reincarnated and through the power of mass-media becomes a myth in unto herself.

In The Star, Garbo is depicted enveloped in deep red and black tones. Unlike other works in the Myths series, such as Uncle Sam, which feature bright, monochromatic backgrounds that accentuate the figures, Garbo's image seamlessly blends with the surrounding hues. Despite the use of a single colour wash, Warhol employs touches of icy blue eyeshadow and subtle white highlights to emphasise her alluring eyes and vibrant lips. She wears low-hanging earrings that graze her shoulders and a jewelled cap, contributing to her captivating presence. Her piercing gaze draws the viewer in, inviting closer scrutiny. The result is a portrait that exudes glamour, enchantment, and sensuality.

The Myths series exemplifies Warhol's adeptness at capturing the prevailing themes of his time. The collection includes both iconic fictional characters, such as Superman, The Wicked Witch of the West, and Dracula, as well as cherished cultural figures like Mickey Mouse and Santa Claus. These images reflect a collective nostalgia for America's historically rich and once-vibrant cultural landscape. Each figure in the Myths portfolio is intended to represent a unique facet of Warhol’s own persona. Created in the early 1980s, a period considered to be among Warhol's most prolific, the series showcases his development of intricate and refined screen-printing techniques.

Buy Andy Warhol The Star (F & S II.258)

Andipa Editions, as part of Andipa, have been at the forefront of the Warhol market for over 20 years. To enquire about buying The Star  (F & S II.258) by Andy Warhol, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371.

Sell The Star (F & S. II 258) by Andy Warhol

With a global network of active buyers, Andipa Editions are the place to sell your Andy Warhol The Start F & S II.258) 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 The Star (F & S II.258) print, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371. Explore our collection of Andy Warhol original prints for sale.