Andy Warhol The Witch (F & S II.261) For Sale

The Witch is one of ten prints from Andy Warhol's 1981 Myths portfolio. In this nostalgic series, Warhol highlights prominent figures that resonate with one of his central themes: society's fascination with celebrity. However, Warhol subverts the traditional notion of celebrity by choosing to portray mythical characters who have achieved iconic status within American culture. By focusing on fictional cultural icons rather than real-life celebrities, Warhol underscores that these legendary figures can exert a comparable influence and impact as actual individuals, thus expanding the definition of celebrity beyond its conventional boundaries.

For this print, the artist requested that Margaret Hamilton, the actress who portrayed the Wicked Witch in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, replicate her iconic pose. In stark contrast to the more restrained expressions in Mammy and The Star, the Witch displays a wild, sinister smile. Her vivid green complexion is set against a plain purple background, with her profile outlined by a bright red line that curves around her witch’s hat. Warhol frequently used this technique to emphasise the primary subject of his prints, drawing attention to her dark clothing and wide-brimmed hat.

The Witch offers a stark contrast to Warhol's celebrated depictions of iconic figures such as Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marilyn Monroe. Unlike his usual portrayals of glamorous and alluring women, this print presents a dark, unsettling interpretation of a familiar childhood character. In The Witch, Warhol introduces the archetypal Pop Art female anti-hero, providing a vivid and striking counterpoint to his typical representations of female beauty and charm. This shift underscores the diverse myths that shape American popular culture.

Buy Andy Warhol The Witch (F & S II.261)

Andipa Editions, as part of Andipa, have been at the forefront of the Warhol market for over 20 years. To enquire about buying  The Witch (F & S II.261) by Andy Warhol, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371.

Sell The Witch (F & S. II 261) by Andy Warhol

With a global network of active buyers, Andipa Editions are the place to sell your Andy Warhol The Witch (F & S II.261) 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 Witch (F & S II.261) print, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371. Explore our collection of Andy Warhol original prints for sale.