$49,200
Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987) 25 Cats Name[d] Sam and One Blue Pussy /A Bound Book, containing eighteen lithographs (including the cover), c. 1954 (Feldman & Schellmann, IV52A-68A). Identified on the cover, numbered and signed "65 Andy Warhol" in blue ballpoint on colophon page, stamped "serendipity 3..." on the inside back cover. Lithographs with hand-coloring on paper, sheet sizes 8 7/8 x 5 7/8 in. (22.4 x 14.7 cm), board bound. Condition: Subtle toning to edges of some sheets, minute breaks/losses to edges of colophon page, cover with gentle staining and with minor soiling, print on cover with gentle fading and some staining. Provenance: Acquired in late 1950 or early 1960s, possibly from Serendipity 3, New York, then by descent to the current owner. N.B. Early in his career Warhol supported himself as a commercial illustrator, primarily creating fashion and shoe advertisements. In these ads he utilized a blotted line technique that he had invented as a student at the Carnegie Institute of Technology. He also used blotted lines in his fine art, as seen here and in the next lot. The art scene of 1950s New York centered on Abstract Expressionism, so Warhol's whimsical, though distinctive, work was a hard sell as "art." Nonetheless, Warhol created a number of prints and books which he used as gifts and promotional materials that he could send to art directors and the like to develop business for both aspects of his work.1 The blotted lines of these prints rea Read more…
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2016-01-22
