The Star by Andy Warhol is a notable piece from his celebrated Myths series, created in 1981. This series, consisting of ten prints, delves into the myth-making process within American popular culture.The Star features the Swedish actress Greta Garbo, reimagined as Mata Hari, a Dutch courtesan who acted as a German spy during World War I.
In this print, Garbo is bathed in rich crimson and black hues, embodying a timeless allure. She is adorned with dangling earrings and a bejewelled cap, her penetrating gaze drawing viewers in and compelling them to look deeper. Unlike other works in the Myths series, which feature vibrant single-colour backgrounds that enhance the subject, The Star uses a more subdued colour palette. Warhol employs a touch of icy blue eyeshadow and accents of white to highlight Garbo's captivating eyes and cherry-red lips, adding to the piece's glamorous, enchanting, and seductive quality.
The Myths series exemplifies Warhol's talent for capturing the essence of contemporary themes. Created during the early 1980s, a period of prolific creativity for Warhol, this series showcases his advanced screen-printing techniques and his ability to distil the zeitgeist of his era into iconic imagery.