Artist: WARHOL, ANDY

Title: HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN (ARTIST PROOF)

Description: Numbered in pencil AP 3/8.  Authenticated by the Andy Warhol Foundation with Stamps and Signatures on Verso. Artwork in excellent condition.

Warhol created two series of four screenprints dedicated to the author. The series was conceived a year prior to his death, therefore it is possible the artist began reflecting on his own childhood during this time. The source images for the portfolio came from official photos of Hans Christian Andersen and photos of his paper cutouts. Andersen created around 1000 paper cutouts in his life time, and used to carry scissors with him to create silhouettes for his friends and their children. His paper cutouts are childlike and playful, though not directly representative of his fairytales. Nevertheless, Andersen sometimes featured papercuts alongside his stories as an additional feature. Many believe, like his fairytales, the paper shapes also contain hidden meanings beyond their innocent imagery. Unlike Warhol’s previous works, the screenprints use a minimal color palette. It appears that Warhol depicts Andersen with sincere respect rather than veiled irony. Overall, Warhol pays a sweet tribute to a man who equally valued childlike curiosity and modern thinking.