Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol (1928–1987), a founding figure of Pop Art, redefined the boundaries between fine art and commercial culture. Born in Pittsburgh to Slovakian immigrants, Warhol merged avant-garde experimentation with mass media, celebrity, and consumerism. His early background in illustration shaped his instantly recognizable style—one that continues to influence contemporary art and culture.

After graduating from Carnegie Institute of Technology, Warhol moved to New York and became a leading commercial illustrator in the 1950s. By the 1960s, he had turned to fine art, producing iconic works such as the Campbell’s Soup Cans and Marilyns. These paintings captured the repetition and detachment of consumer imagery while challenging traditional notions of artistic authorship.

Warhol's studio, The Factory, became a cultural hotspot through the 1970s, attracting celebrities, socialites, and fellow artists. Beyond painting and printmaking, Warhol also explored sculpture, photography, and experimental film, with notable works like Empire and The Chelsea Girls. His satirical, fame-obsessed persona—combined with a pioneering artistic vision—made him one of the most influential figures in post-war art.

Today, Warhol’s works are held in major museum collections worldwide and remain a centerpiece of the auction market. Explore Andy Warhol prints and paintings for sale at Sotheby’s, or contact our specialists to sell or consign a Warhol artwork.