President Nixon’s 1971 visit to China inspired pop artist Andy Warhol to create a variation of artworks of the Communist Chinese ruler Mao Zedong. Warhol created the Mao Portfolio in the style similar to his portraits of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, using bright colors to accentuate the blurred propaganda style images of a ruler who had a quasi cult-like following in the East. The original portrait of Mao Zedong graced the cover of his widely circulated 1966 book Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong (referred to as the “little red book”) which Communist party members were encouraged to carry with them. Andy Warhol marveled that Chinese households were required to have only one piece of artwork, a portrait of their President, Mao Zedong. During a conversation with his dealer Bruno Bischofberger, Warhol noted that he “was just reading in Life magazine that the most famous person in the world today is Chairman Mao.” Originally Bischofberger had suggested Warhol create portraits of Albert Einstein but in many ways the artist reveled in fame rather than ideas. Hence, the Mao Portfolio by Andy Warhol was born.

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