Andy Warhol
ANDY WARHOL "HOT SHORTS" DRAWING, 1955
Andy Warhol (1928-1987) is arguably the most important American artist of the 20th century. He not only defined Pop Art, but had unrivaled influence on artists and image-making.
In recent years there has been new scholarship and increasing commercial interest in Andy Warhol early works, material created prior to Pop Art.
During the 1950's Warhol became established 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 independently from fashion commission were romantic and hopeful and unabashedly gay. It is worth emphasizing that Warhol was almost exclusively dedicated to drawing during this era, 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 and features this evocative work. This drawing appears on page 48.
This complex drawing is a testament to Warhol's mastery of line and composition. Warhol is able to compress and capture the sitter's body onto the picture plane with remarkable simplicity and sophistication despite the unconventional pose and foreshortening. With the lightest touch, Warhol masterly portrays this figure of leisure and insouciance with the lovely details of his tight jean shorts, fingernails and light patches of body hair. Another reminder that Warhol was an exceptional draftsman.
As the Warhol market continues to gallop to a stratosphere beyond, there are fewer and fewer examples of unique, original works in circulation.
Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720
Untitled ("Male Lower Torso Partial Figure")
USA, circa 1955
Black ballpoint pen on manila paper
Paper is cut to the edges of the image
Stamped on verso by the Estate of Andy Warhol and the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board, Inc. and numbered on the reverse "TOP205.045"
16.75"H 14"W (work)
16"H 13.5"W (visible)
22.5"H 20"W (framed)
Framed with museum glass
Very good condition.
Provenance: The Estate of Andy Warhol
Literature:
"Andy Warhol: Men" Chronicle Books, 2004; pg. 79.
"Andy Warhol: Love, Sex and Desire 1950-1962" Taschen Publisher, 2020.
- 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.