Andy Warhol (1928-1987) is the most influential and valuable American artist of the 20th century. While he is renowned for his signature Pop art creations, Caviar20 has been championing his works on paper from the 1950s. We believe this is an important, and for the time being, accessible and under-appreciated part of his legacy.
During the 1950's Warhol established his reputation in New York City as an illustrator for numerous fashion publications and businesses. His succinct line drawings were modern and gentle, realized with a brave yet delicate gay sensibility.
The drawings he created "off the clock" from his fashion commissions were romantic sketches, daydreams of crushes, hunks, and friends. His 1956 solo exhibition, "Studies for a Boy Book", failed commercially because of the queer and erotic subject matter.
This oversized portrait is masterfully drafted, representing a figure with ideal features and a simple elegance. A man's profile commands the composition as he gazes into the distance. A curved vase holding a single stylized flower sits on a table just behind the man's shoulder. The intentionality of each line paired with the sizeable scale of the paper makes this portrait an exceptional example of Warhol's early work.
Warhol drawings from the 1950s are marked by a gentle whimsy that embodies his vivid imagination. With evocative details such as wavy hair and an exacting chin, "Matthew XL" is an exceptional example from this important early period.
In recent years there has been a new wave of scholarship and commercial interest in the early work created prior to Pop Art. Taschen, the legendary art book publisher, released Andy Warhol: Love, Sex & Desire which celebrates his drawings of the male form - and inspired a new generation of collectors and curators to re-examine this material.
As the Warhol market continues to accelerate, there are fewer examples of these unique original drawings in circulation.
Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto gallery.
Untitled ("Alexander with Flower XL")
USA, circa 1955
Black ballpoint pen on tan paper
23"H 17"W (sheet)
29.25"H 23.5"W (framed)
Framed with museum glass
Very good condition.
The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts inventory number TOP200.369
Note: this work is designated as an XL drawing because of the approximate 23" x 17" sized sheet. Most Warhol drawings from this era measure 16" x 14" or less.
- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto.
- Where do you ship to?
We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL.
- How much does it cost to ship?
For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.
Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.
Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere.
- Are there additional taxes or fees?
When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees.
- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity.
What is your return policy?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.
- What payment methods do you accept?
Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.