Beethoven Portfolio (F & S II.390-393)
"Beethoven" comprises a series of four screenprints published in 1987, featuring the renowned German composer Ludwig van Beethoven as the subject. Each piece within this collection presents a vivid and highly saturated portrait of Beethoven, originally crafted by Joseph Karl Stieler. These portraits are overlaid with musical notes, creating a visually striking fusion of art and music. Andy Warhol's distinctive style in this series captures the tumultuous and expressive essence of Beethoven's musical compositions.
While Warhol's earlier career primarily focused on painting portraits of socialites and celebrities, the 1980s marked a significant period in which he ventured into portraying some of history's most iconic figures from various artistic disciplines. Notable examples from this era include his depictions of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1982) and Alexander the Great (1982). What ties these figures together is their enduring cultural significance and their ability to transcend conventional boundaries. In a bold artistic move, Warhol imbues Beethoven with pastel pink hair and fuchsia-toned skin, a departure from historical accuracy, yet a testament to the composer's lasting impact, positioning him as a modern-day icon akin to a rockstar rather than an eighteenth-century classical composer.
These historical portraits stand out as distinctive and rare within Warhol's body of work, challenging the notion that his most famous subjects—such as Soup Cans, Brillo boxes, and Marilyn Monroe—comprised his sole artistic preoccupations. Instead, Warhol delved into the vast tapestry of history, seeking inspiration from a wide array of figures and moments that have shaped the collective psyche of modern society.
Buy Beethoven Portfolio (F & S II.390-393)
Merce Cunningham (F &S II. 124)
In the realm of art, the screenprint titled "Merce Cunningham," created in 1974, emerges as a noteworthy piece that captures the essence of the renowned dancer Merce Cunningham. What makes this Warhol work particularly exceptional is the choice of medium: it is printed on Japanese gift wrapping paper, marking the singular occasion when the artist decided to employ this unique material in his oeuvre.
Merce Cunningham, celebrated for his innovative approach to dance, was a trailblazer who challenged the conventional norms of the art form. One of his distinctive hallmarks was his propensity for choreographing dances without musical accompaniment, a practice that defied the traditional reliance on music as a foundational element of dance. In keeping with Warhol’s deep affinity for conceptualism, the screenprint portrays Merce Cunningham in a remarkable pose—balancing precariously forward while clutching a chair behind him. This dynamic yet graceful posture lends the image a distinctly sculptural quality.
Notably, Warhol has chosen to emphasise Merce's body rather than his face, underscoring the physicality and artistry of the dancer's movements. The delicate floral pattern of the gift wrapping paper overlays the image, infusing an additional layer of delicateness and elegance to the print. This floral motif not only complements Cunningham's graceful stance but also imbues the work with a sense of fragility and beauty.
The creation of this screenprint was commissioned with a specific purpose—to raise funds for Merce Cunningham's dance company. It stands as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between art and philanthropy, as well as a testament to the innovative spirit of Merce Cunningham himself. Through this unique piece, Warhol pays homage to a dance visionary, capturing the essence of his groundbreaking contributions to the world of dance and conceptual art, while also using an unconventional material to further underscore the uniqueness of the subject.
Buy Merce Cunningham (F & S II.124)
Karen Kain (F & S II 236)
In the realm of portraiture, one of Andy Warhol's notable creations is the screenprint titled "Karen Kain," which graced the art scene in 1980. This striking piece portrays the principal ballet dancer Karen Kain and is derived from a Polaroid photograph that the artist himself captured.
During the 1970s, Warhol had embarked on a prolific journey of crafting portraits of influential individuals, often commissioned for these artistic endeavours. In the case of "Karen Kain," as was his customary practice, Warhol initiated the creative process by capturing a Polaroid snapshot of his subject. This initial snapshot served as the foundation for the screenprint, laying the groundwork for a unique fusion of photography and artistry.
The resulting portrait of Karen Kain stands out as an exceptionally vibrant and colourful representation, serving as a harbinger of the distinctive aesthetic of the 1980s. This era was characterised by its bold and eccentric sensibilities, and Warhol's rendition of Karen Kain exemplifies this spirit. Unlike his earlier works, Warhol opted to infuse this portrait with a riot of colours, eschewing the traditional black-and-white palette that often featured in his compositions.
Adding to the allure of "Karen Kain" is the application of diamond dust, a favoured artistic material employed by Warhol during this period. This shimmering overlay enhances the portrait, imbuing it with a captivating and otherworldly quality that further heightens its visual impact.
Through "Karen Kain," Andy Warhol not only captures the essence of a celebrated ballet dancer but also encapsulates the vivacious and dynamic spirit of the 1980s. The portrait stands as a testament to Warhol's ability to adapt and evolve his artistic style while continuing to push the boundaries of conventional portraiture, resulting in a work of art that is both visually captivating and emblematic of its era.
Karen Kain (F & S II.236) For Sale
Discover Andy Warhol original screenprints for sale and contact Andipa via sales@andipa.com or call +44 (0)20 7589 2371.