Andy Warhol (1928-1987), Mao, 1973

Lot 196. Stamped with the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board, Inc. stamp and numbered 'A106.999' (on the overlap) synthetic polymer and silkscreen inks on canvas. 12 x 10 in. (30.5 x 25.4 cm.). Painted in 1973. Estimate : 1,000,000 - 1,500,000 U.S. dollars

Provenance : Leo Castelli, New York
Jane Holzer, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Litterature : Phaidon Editors, Andy Warhol: "Giant" Size, pp. 503 and 617 (illustrated in color).

Note : "If Warhol can be regarded as an artist of strategy, his choice of Mao as a subject - as the ultimate star - was brilliant. The image of Mao, taken from the portrait photograph reproduced in the chairman's so-called Little Red Book, is probably the one recognized by more of the world's population than any other - a ready-made icon representing absolute political and cultural power. In Warhol's hands this image could be considered ominously and universally threatening, or a parody, or both." - Kynaston McShine

Christies. Post-War & Contemporary Art. 13-14 Novembre 2007.  20 Rockfeller Plazza. New York - www.christies.com