Based on a still from Grace Kelly’s 1951 film Fourteen Hours, the work has become one of Warhol’s most beloved examples. Kelly, known for her elegance and sophistication, is almost deified in the series which was commissioned for a fundraiser for the Philadelphia Institute of Contemporary Art .Kelly was born in Philadelphia and her parents were active participants in the university community, making the dedication of this artwork very sentimental.
The Grace Kelly portfolio consists of a signed edition of 225. 30 Aps, 8 PPs, 2 HCs and 20 unique TPs. Grace Kelly (F & S IIb 305) available at Andipa Editions is one of the unique trial proofs from the series of 20 different colour variations.. Each trial proof is a unique print, exhibiting a distinct colour combination and variation in compositional elements.
A trial proof is a site of experimentation for the printmaker before the creation of the numbered edition (the controlled number of prints released by a publisher). A trial proof is similar to the concept of a draft; the proof presents the opportunity to try out a preliminary composition and colour combination, subject to further revision. After printing a series of trial proofs (frequently inscribed ‘T.P.’), the artist often selects a proof on which to base the numbered edition.
This particular example is in excellent condition and shows Warhol's innate instinct for colour with soft, complimenting tones punctuated by vivid, neon colours. The subject, Grace Kelly, is captured perfectly - with plump lips and slicked back hair - befitting as her regal title of Princess of Monaco and iconic American actress - the work being an prime example of Warhol's interest in celebrity and pop culture.
Warhol’s use of vivid colours and simplified form captures the aesthetics of the time and condenses the sitter (in this case Kelly’s) beauty and fame perfectly. Produced some 20 years after his iconic Marilyn and Liz series, we see Warhol’s use of coloured lines which can also be found across his Endangered species portfolio as well as many other works from a similar time. Popularised by Warhol himself, Grace Kelly was produced using his classic screen printing method - which he first began experimenting with in the 1960s.
For more information on our original Andy Warhol screenprints, contact sales@andipa.com or call +44 (0)20 7589 2371.