Andy Warhol’s “Chairman Mao” portfolio, created in 1972, remains one of the most striking and politically charged works from the artist’s renowned Pop Art period. Comprised of 10 screenprints on Beckett High White paper, the portfolio features Warhol’s vibrant and provocative portraits of Mao Zedong, the iconic Chinese leader, in the same bold, colorful style he used for Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. Each print measures 36 x 36 inches (91.4cm x 91.4cm), and the set is part of an edition of 250, with each piece signed verso in pencil.
Warhol’s exploration of Mao’s image was not only an artistic choice but a response to the cultural climate of the time. Following President Nixon’s 1971 visit to China, Mao Zedong’s global prominence made him a compelling subject for Warhol, who was fascinated by fame and mass-media imagery. Warhol once remarked that the most famous person in the world was Mao, and his portraits of the Chinese leader encapsulate the blurred line between propaganda and art.
The Warhol Chairman Mao Portfolio is a significant example of the artist’s ability to transform political and cultural figures into icons, simultaneously commenting on the nature of celebrity, power, and image manipulation. The “Chairman Mao” series continues to be highly sought after by collectors and investors due to its historical relevance, cultural impact, and Warhol’s unparalleled position in the world of contemporary art.
Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987)
“Chairman Mao”, 1972 (F&S, II.90.99), Complete portfolio of 10
Screenprint on Beckett High White paper
Edition of 250, signed verso in pencil (Matched numbering)
36 x 36 inches (91.4cm x 91.4cm EACH)
Condition report available upon request
PRICE: on request
Warhol Chairman Mao Portfolio
Warhol’s Mao portraits are considered emblematic of his “celebrity culture” ethos and have been featured in prominent museum exhibitions worldwide, including at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Andy Warhol Museum.
Given the enduring political significance of Mao Zedong, Warhol’s portraits of the Chinese leader hold both artistic and historical importance, making them a coveted addition to any collection.
