- 223
Andy Warhol
Description
- Andy Warhol
- The Shadow (from Myths)
- signed and dated 1981 on the overlap
- acrylic and silkscreen ink on canvas
- 60 by 60 in. 152.4 by 152.4 cm.
Provenance
Heath Gallery, Atlanta
Gallery Takagi, Nagoya
Acquired by the present owner from the above in June 1987
Condition
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Due to the prevalence of movies throughout the 20th Century it is no wonder that most of these characters are famous cinematic personalities. However, there is one subject of the Myths series that is not instantly recognizable, the present work.
In the present lot, entitled The Shadow, we see the profile of a Hitchcock-ian shadow as well as its creator, Warhol himself, looking out toward the viewer. With this self-portrait, Warhol neatly inserts himself into the pantheon of American icons. This is an act of extreme hubris, yet it is completely valid. By 1981 Warhol had become the epitome of fame that he was always fascinated by in his early years. He looks out quizzically, as if he is telling his audience “this is what you have created.” However, it is important to note that Warhol makes his shadow the focus of the work rather than his face. By making his shadow the main subject, Warhol demonstrates that he is ironically aware that people are obsessed with the idea of him rather than who he is as a person. The myth of Warhol is the brand that will long outlast the human being, and today we behold a painting whose commentary on American culture will last even longer.