c. 1950
The name of American artist Andy Warhol is all but synonymous with Pop art, the movement he helped shape in the 1960s. He was phenomenally prolific, and the archive of original photography, prints, drawings, paintings and other art that he left behind is beyond vast.
Andy Warhol is known for his clever appropriation of motifs and images from popular advertising and commercials, which he integrated into graphic, vibrant works that utilized mass-production technologies such as printmaking, photography and silkscreening. Later in his career, Warhol expanded his oeuvre to include other forms of media, founding Interview magazine and producing fashion shoots and films on-site at the Factory, his world-famous studio in New York.
Born and educated in in Pittsburgh, Warhol moved to New York City in 1949 and built a successful career as a commercial illustrator. Although he made whimsical drawings as a hobby during these years, his career as a fine artist began in the mid-1950s with ink-blot drawings and hand-drawn silkscreens. The 1955 lithograph You Can Lead a Shoe to Water illustrates how he incorporated in his artwork advertising styles and techniques, in this case shoe commercials.
As a child, Warhol was often sick and spent much of his time in bed, where he would make sketches and put together collections of movie-star photographs. He described this period as formative in terms of his skills and interests. Indeed, Warhol remained obsessed with celebrities throughout his career, often producing series devoted to a famous face or an object from the popular culture, such as Chairman Mao or Campbell’s tomato soup. The 1967 silkscreen Marilyn 25 embodies his love of bright color and famous subjects.
Warhol was a prominent cultural figure in New York during the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. The Factory was a gathering place for the era’s celebrities, writers, drag queens and fellow artists, and collaboration was common. To this day, Warhol remains one of the most important artists of the 20th century and continues to exert influence on contemporary creators.
Find a collection of original Andy Warhol art on 1stDibs.
Portrait of a Man (George), drawing with ballpoint pen, circa 1956
By Andy Warhol
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Andy Warhol (1928-1987) is arguably the most important American artist of the 20th century. He not only defined Pop Art but had an unrivalled influence on artists and image-making. ...
Ballpoint Pen
"Portrait of a Young Man (JT)"
By Andy Warhol
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Andy Warhol (1928-1987) is arguably the most important American artist of the 20th century. He not only defined Pop Art but had an unrivaled influence on artists and image-making. ...
Ballpoint Pen
Portrait of a Man (Tony)
By Andy Warhol
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Andy Warhol (1928-1987) is arguably the most important American artist of the 20th century. He not only defined Pop Art but had an unrivaled influence on artists and image-making. ...
Ballpoint Pen
Young Man with Flower
By Andy Warhol
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Andy Warhol (1928-1987) is arguably the most important American artist of the 20th century. He not only defined Pop Art but had an unrivaled influence on artists and image-making. ...
Paper, Ballpoint Pen
Woman in Blue
By Andy Warhol
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Andy Warhol is arguably the most important American artist of the 20th century. In the 1950s, he was an in-demand and celebrated illustrator working for New York's toniest publications (like Harper's Bazaar) and elegant shops (such as Bonwit Teller), in addition to many smaller independent fashion companies. In the mid-1950s Warhol became synonymous with shoes after creating a successful campaign for shoe retailer Miller & Sons. Although Warhol had a parallel art practice, primarily focused on drawing, surpassing the designation of “commercial artist” proved difficult. Consider that this era was the height of popularity for the Abstract Expressionist painters. Despite the prevailing aesthetic, Warhol continued to be dedicated to making elegant or playful line drawings. This untitled illustration is an intimate example of Warhol at his best in the 1950's. It is ambiguous whether this was created for a client, or whether Warhol was inspired by an encounter in real life. With the lightest touch, the artist renders a glamorous woman's profile as she holds a young child in her arms. Unique to this drawing is the subtle presence of the child, who rests gently against the woman's chest in a tender embrace yet is almost entirely abstract. This maternal exchange represents an unexpected deviation from Warhol's typical subject matter, possibly serving as a tribute to his own mother, Julia Warhola, whom he admired deeply. This elegant drawing is a marvellous precursor to Warhol's Pop Art era when he became transfixed by images and representation of women. Questions about this piece? Contact us. Visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment. Untitled "Woman in Blue...
Ballpoint Pen
Alexander with Flower XL
By Andy Warhol
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Andy Warhol (1928-1987) is the most influential and valuable American artist of the 20th century. While he is renowned for his signature Pop art creations, Caviar20 has been champion...
Paper, Ballpoint Pen
Portrait of a Man with Bold Features Blue Sketch Original French Artwork
By Robert Ladou
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Original French Artwork signed initials by Robert Ladou (French 1929-2014) original oil pastel painting on artist paper, framed overall size: 15.5 x 12.5 inches size: 9.5 x 8 inche...
Oil Pastel
A Sensitive 1950s Mid-Century Modern Portrait of a Young Man By Harold Haydon
By Harold Haydon
Located in Chicago, IL
A Sensitive, Finely Rendered 1950s Mid-Century Modern Portrait of a Young Man By Noted Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). Artwork size: 12 x 9 1/2 inches. Artwork is un...
Paper, Graphite
Unidentified Male
By Andy Warhol
Located in Indianapolis, IN
Andy Warhol (1928-1987) Unidentified Male (circa 1956) Black ballpoint pen on paper Size: 16.5 x 14 in (41.9 x 35.6 cm) Frame size: 21.25 x 19 in (53.9 x 48.3 cm) Authenticated by ...
Ballpoint Pen, Paper
Portrait of a Young Man - Drawing by Valentine Hugo - Mid 20th century
By Valentine Hugo
Located in Roma, IT
Portrait of a Young Man is a Pencil Drawing realized by Valentine Hugo (1890-1968). Good condition on a yellowed paper included a white cardboard passp...
Pencil
Drawing On Paper Depicting a Young Man By Evelyne Luez.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Drawing on paper depicting a young man by Evelyne Luez. Drawing on paper, 20th century, by Evelyne Luez, depicting a young man. H: 64 cm, W: 70.5 cm, D: 0.5 cm Please contact us be...
Paper
Portrait of a Man - Original Pencil Drawing by Ildebrando Urbani - 1950s
By Ildebrando Urbani
Located in Roma, IT
Portrait of a Man is a beautiful original pencil drawing on cream-colored paper made by the Italian artist Ildebrando Urbani (1901 - 1985). Realized by a skilled hand, this double-sided sheet composed by a male profile with hat on the recto and on the verso two male portraits with hats...
Pencil
