Andy Warhol (1928-1987) is arguably the most important American artist of the 20th century. He not only defined Pop Art but had an unparalleled influence on artists and visual culture.
During the 1950's Warhol became established in New York City as an illustrator for many fashion companies and publications, frequently designing advertisements for shoes. His commercial reputation was built on depicting women's footwear, despite his possible ambivalence to the subject matter.
Although Warhol was very busy with commissioned work, he was always drawing. The images he created independently were romantic portraits of friends, lovers, and fantasy subjects. Warhol was particularly inspired by men's feet and completed a number of such drawings during the mid-1950s. There is a fascinating contrast between his public work (women's shoes) and his private world / inspiration (men's nude feet).
“Foot with Strawberries” is a fine example of one such drawing from this era. Negative space and framing are used to conceal the subject’s identity. Warhol portrays a single foot hovering over a heart-shaped dish adorn with fresh strawberries. Like the best of his work from this era, Warhol teases the viewer's imagination with his playful sensibility, delicate touch, and gentle whimsy.
This original drawing is a paradigm of Warhol’s sensual studies of the human form. During this period, the artist created numerous representations of feet and shoes, emphasizing the contrast between his commercial and artistic practices.
In 2010 Kasmin (New York) organized the exhibit "Andy Warhol: Still Lifes and Feet, 1956-1961" which illuminated this significant motif from his first decade in New York.
In recent years there has been new scholarship and commercial interest in these early works created prior to Pop Art. Taschen, the legendary art book publisher, released Andy Warhol: Love, Sex and Desire 1950-1962 which celebrates his drawings of the male form - and inspired a new generation of collectors and curators to re-examine this material.
Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720. Visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment.
“Foot with Strawberries”
USA, c.1950s
Black ballpoint pen on paper
17"H 14”W (work)
23.25"H 20.25"W (framed)
Very good condition. Detailed condition report by request.
Stamped verso by the estate of Andy Warhol and the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board, Inc.
Artwork comes with a certificate of provenance from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.
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