Neil Welliver

Abraham Lincoln x 6

1980

Andy Warhol is arguably the most important American artist of the 20th century. In the 1950s, he was an in-demand and celebrated illustrator working for New York's toniest publications (like Harper's Bazaar) and elegant shops (such as Bonwit Teller), in addition to many smaller independent fashion companies. In the mid-1950s Warhol became synonymous with shoes after creating a successful campaign for shoe retailer Miller & Sons. Although Warhol had a parallel art practice, primarily focused on drawing, surpassing the designation of “commercial artist” proved difficult. Consider that this era was the height of popularity for the Abstract Expressionist painters. Despite the prevailing aesthetic, Warhol continued to be dedicated to making elegant or playful line drawings. This untitled illustration is an intimate example of Warhol at his best in the 1950's. It is ambiguous whether this was created for a client, or whether Warhol was inspired by an encounter in real life. With the lightest touch, the artist renders a glamorous woman's profile as she holds a young child in her arms. Unique to this drawing is the subtle presence of the child, who rests gently against the woman's chest in a tender embrace yet is almost entirely abstract. This maternal exchange represents an unexpected deviation from Warhol's typical subject matter, possibly serving as a tribute to his own mother, Julia Warhola, whom he admired deeply. This elegant drawing is a marvellous precursor to Warhol's Pop Art era when he became transfixed by images and representation of women. Questions about this piece? Contact us. Visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment. Untitled "Woman in Blue...

Andy Warhol (1928-1987) is arguably the most important American artist of the 20th century. He not only defined Pop Art but had an unrivaled influence on artists and image-making. In recent years there has been new scholarship and increasing commercial interest in Andy Warhol's early works, material created prior to Pop Art. During the 1950's Warhol established himself in New York City as a trendy illustrator contributing to a wide number of fashion publications and retailers. His simple line drawings were modern and gentle, with a subtle but unmistakably gay touch. In a short period of time, he created an aesthetic that was both versatile and distinctively his. Like the consummate artist that he was, Warhol was frequently drawing. The images he created during this era, independent from his fashion commissions, were romantic, hopeful, and unabashedly gay. It is worth emphasizing that Warhol was almost exclusively dedicated to drawing during this period, only creating a handful of paintings - which were intended to be used for window displays. Taschen, the legendary art book publisher, recently released the book Andy Warhol: Love, Sex, and Desire 1950-1962 which celebrates his drawings of the male form from the pre-Pop era. This portrait is a paradigm of Warhol's mastery of line and visionary framing. A man's profile commands the composition as he gazes forward with his hand raised towards his mouth, holding a delicate flower. With the lightest touch, Warhol masterly portrays this male ideal with the details of his chiseled jawline, softened gaze, and timeless elegance. Warhol drawings from the 1950s are marked by a gentle whimsy that embodies Warhol's vivid imagination. With fanciful details such as exaggerated lips and eyebrows, "Young Man with Flower...