Andy Warhol began using the big-shot Polaroid camera in 1971 and continued using it religiously until his death in 1987. Despite the camera being discontinued in 1973, he continued to use it to capture the actors, artists, dancers, politicians, socialites, and Factory members of his world.
Frequently, Warhol's Polaroids were used as preparatory works for his iconic silkscreen portraits or other artworks. They also revealed his immediate personal vision functioning as a chronicle of his surroundings and social life.
Beginning with his "Death and Disasters" series in the early 1960s, Warhol had a long-stemming, existential fascination with violence. Through this and subsequent series (notably "Knives and Guns" in the 1980s), the artist documents crisis while highlighting the (American) media's obsession with the spectacle of crime, death and punishment.
"Pistol" stems from the "Knives and Guns" era, most likely as a reference or study. Presented with authority, the image features the profile of a New England holster pistol, a model that dates back to 1815. While Warhol was most often obsessed with the culture of his day, he was simultaneously a student and collector of the past. In 1986, for example, he released the "Cowboys and Indians" portfolio which featured historical figures from the 19th century.
This work is an important example that interweaves Warhol's core themes of culture, commodification, and perhaps on a subconscious level, personal anxieties. Click here to see another comparable pistol Polaroid.
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.
Or visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment.
Untitled "Pistol"
USA, 1981
Unique polaroid print
Embossed signature / copyright
Estate of Andy Warhol stamp verso
Traces of previous adhesive verso.
Overall very good condition.
- 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.