Andy Warhol

Screenprint in colors with diamond dust, 1980, signed in pencil on the verso, inscribed 'H/C' (an hors commerce impression aside from the edition of 60), and with another (indecipherable) inscription, on Arches Aquarelle paper, with the printer's blindstamp, Rupert Jasen Smith, published by the artist, New York, with his 1980 copyright ink stamp on the verso, framed

Athos and Dede Pratesi, New York (gift of the artist in 1982)
By descent to the present owner from the above

The print is in good condition, the full sheet, printed to the edges. Occasional minor surface scuffs, most apparent at the left edge of the image with associated inconsistencies in the brown pigment. Some tiny, very inconspicuous dots of pigment loss in the dark blue shoe at the right of the image. There are broken through creases and tiny breaks in the deckle at the extreme upper and lower sheet edges (as is common with this print). Pale backboard-stain and traces of soiling on the verso. A tiny pale yellow accretion on the grey shoe. Framed.
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.

The Pratesi brand has long been renowned as the primary Maison of luxury linens worldwide. Founded by Remigio Pratesi in Tuscany at the turn of the century, it was Athos Pratesi – Remigio’s grandson—who brought the company to Manhattan in 1966. From their glamorous storefront on Madison Avenue, the Pratesi brand and family quickly rose to represent all the luxury, elegance, and sophistication of New York in the 70’s and 80’s. Simultaneously, Warhol was gaining prominence as the ultimate illustrator, critic, and participant of that same opulent lifestyle. The brand’s slogan, "People with uncommon taste share an uncommon lifestyle,” sums up much of the magical glamour of the Warholian Factory era. One chilly New York day, Athos and his son, Federico – the fourth and present head of Pratesi – were strolling down Madison Avenue towards the storefront. Athos was wearing a beloved Casentino coat with a lavishly soft fox fur collar. The coat had been custom ordered from Tuscany in the celebrated Pratesi orange. On that day, a strangely dressed man stopped Federico and his father, dramatically insisting that they tell him where they had bought the fabulous, brightly colored coat. Startled, the pair brushed him off and continued on to the Pratesi store. Upon arriving there, Federico and Athos were surprised to find that the strange man was there as well, intending to purchase a set of the luxury sheets.  Even more surprising, upon being introduced to the man, the pair learned that it was the infamous Andy Warhol who had been coveting the gorgeous, Casentino orange coat. This extraordinary meeting was the beginning of a long friendship between Athos Pratesi and Andy Warhol. Each man found a kindred spirit in the other, a fellow appreciator of a luxurious, opulent lifestyle. Indeed, Warhol once informed Athos that upon the completion of each successful gallery exhibition, he treated himself to one material luxury in particular–he purchased for himself a new set of Pratesi sheets.

Sotheby's is honored to offer the present work from The Pratesi Collection.  The proceeds from the sale of this lot will benefit a future Pratesi Family Charitable foundation.