Andy Warhol

The complete set of ten screenprints in colours,1972, the colours vibrant, each signed in ball-point pen and stamp-numbered 230/250 verso, printed at Styria Studio, Inc., published by Castelli Graphics and Multiples, Inc., New York, on Beckett High White paper, the full sheets, printed to the edges, in very good condition, the slightest paper discoloration to the unprinted areas, all the sheets with minor horizontal bands of cockling

This set is in very good fresh condition and has none of the usual signs of framing, there is no scuffing, the verso of the sheets are not stained and the tips of the sheets are pointed and sharp. The printing is even and fresh, there does not appear to be any cracqulure. The colours are vibrant and show no signs of fading. The unprinted areas have the faintest signs of discoloration which indicates that they have not been exposed to direct light for any significant length of time. The horizontal bands of cockling which are very minor are visible on all the sheets in a raking light and could possibly be associated with pressure caused whilst the sheets were stacked in their orginal box . All the prints are hinged at the top corners and once along each side verso with paper tape onto a white backboard - this is not a defect. A detailed condition report follows: F. & S. II.90 In good fresh condition, the unprinted areas very slightly discoloured, the sheet slightly cockled, very minor uneven discoloration verso F. & S. II.91 In good fresh condition, the unprinted areas very slightly discoloured, the sheet slightly cockled F. & S. II.92 In good fresh condition, the unprinted areas very slightly discoloured, the sheet slightly cockled, with three additional pieces of hinging tape at top edge of sheet verso F. & S. II.93 In good fresh condition, the unprinted areas very slightly discoloured, the sheet slightly cockled, two tiny dents to the lower left extreme edge of sheet, three additional hinges at intervals along top edge of sheet verso F. & S. II.94 In good fresh condition, the unprinted areas very slightly discoloured, the sheet very slightly cockled, a minor slim band of discoloration at upper left extreme top edge of sheet F. & S. II.95 In good fresh condition, the unprinted areas very slightly discoloured, slightly darker discoloration to the unprinted area at top left corner of sheet, the sheet slightly cockled F. & S. II.96 In good fresh condition, the unprinted areas very slightly discoloured, the sheet slightly cockled, two short stray biro marks at lower left corner of sheet F. & S. II.97 In good fresh condition, the unprinted areas very slightly discoloured, the sheet slightly cockled F. & S. II.98 In good fresh condition, the unprinted areas very slightly discoloured, the sheet slightly cockled, a short horizontal handling crease at lower left corner of sheet only visible in a raking light with a tiny associated dent to the sheet edge, with three additional hinges at top edge of sheet verso F. & S. II.99 In good fresh condition, the unprinted areas very slightly discoloured, the sheet very slightly cockled
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Produced in 1972, Mao is a masterpiece of great significance within Warhol's career. 

The artist based his ten screenprints on the official portrait of the Chinese communist leader Mao Tse Tong (1893-1976), that was illustrated on the cover of the widely circulated 1966 publication "Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung" also known as Little Red Book. Party members were strongly encouraged to carry a copy with them as it contained the foundations of Maoist ideology.

The cult of Mao played a crucial role in the Cultural Revolution of 1966-1976. The figure of the Chairman was often the centre of the politicised images that were produced in vast quantities and disseminated throughout China. By the early 1970s Mao was established as one of the most important figures in modern history and his portrait one of the most replicated. China's improved relations with the United States, symbolised by Richard Nixon's visit to the communist nation, and the attention paid to it by the world's media, further increased Mao's already significant global political profile. Considering Warhol's obsession with fame it is not surprising that the Chinese leader provided an appealing image for his art.  

Although Warhol never openly stated his political views, Mao can be said to constitute his first political portrait. While his previous works had a focus on denunciating the relentless consumerism of American capitalist society and the advertising machination surrounding it, this particular work comments on the controlled propaganda apparatus of Chinese communism.

Warhol's interpretation of Chairman Mao resulted in the creation of a portfolio containing ten brightly coloured, monumental portraits which, through their multiplicity, enable the creation of various aesthetic installations. Furthermore, it transforms the Chinese leader into an international pop star, a ready-made icon embodying absolute political and cultural power.