ANDY WARHOL "THE CROWN JEWELS" DRAWING, 1956

Andy Warhol (1928-1987) is arguably the most important American artist of the 20th century. He not only defined Pop Art, but had unrivalled influence on artists and image-making. 

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 but distinctively his. 

Like the consummate artist that he was, Warhol was constantly drawing. His commissioned fashion and advertising illustrations paid the bills, but he was most interested in male portraiture and erotica.  Such images were romantic and hopeful and unabashedly gay. Not surprisingly there was little commercial interest in such material - even in cosmopolitan New York City.

Taschen, the legendary publisher, released Andy Warhol: Love, Sex and Desire 1950-1962 which celebrates his drawings of the male form - and has encouraged a new generation of collectors and curators to re-examine this material. 

This drawing is a paradigm of Warhol's sensual whimsy and his mastery of line. Warhol places an elaborate arrangement of royal jewels (including a crown, an octagon cut stone and a small tassel...on the royal jewels. 

With the lightest touch, Warhol masterly portrays the male sex, bejewelled and coronated--Another reminder that Warhol both an exceptional draftsman and a clever gay pioneer in the visual arts. 

In recent years there has been new scholarship and increasing commercial interest in Andy Warhol early works, material created prior to Pop Art. As the Warhol market continues to gallop to a stratosphere beyond, there are fewer and fewer examples of unique, original works in circulation.  

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Untitled "The Crown Jewels"

USA, c. 1956

Graphite on tracing paper

16"H 13.75"W (sheet - irregular)

22.5"H 15.75"W (framed)

Framed with museum glass

Very good condition.

Full sheet image by request

Stamped on verso by the Estate of Andy Warhol and the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board, Inc., with archive no. AR 435.002