1984
In 1984, Warhol's work took a new direction when he initiated the Details of Renaissance Paintings series, moving away from portraits of celebrities. Comprised of cropped images of Old Master paintings depicted in Warhol's characteristic vibrant, Pop colours and off-register line drawing, the series strips each work of its original intent and instead focuses on their value as symbols of popular culture. Furthermore, the relative ease with which the silkscreen printing process allowed multiplication of the image deliberately mocks the painstaking process of creating the original masterpiece. In this print, Warhol puts his own spin on the iconic image of the Birth of Venus, as depicted by Sandro Botticelli in the 15th century. Placing the Roman goddess firmly in the present, the result is a poignant statement on the mass consumption of artistic masterworks.
Screenprint in colours, 1984, on Arches Aquarelle paper, signed and numbered from the edition of 70, printed by Rupert Jasen Smith, New York, published by Editions Schellmann & Kluser, Munich/New York, 82 x 111.5 cm. (32¼ x 44 in.)
Feldman & Schellmann II.316
Screenprint in colours, 1984, on Arches Aquarelle paper, signed and numbered from the edition of 70, printed by Rupert Jasen Smith, New York, published by Editions Schellmann & Kluser, Munich/New York, 82 x 111.5 cm. (32¼ x 44 in.)
Feldman & Schellmann II.316
About us
Shapero Rare Books is an internationally renowned dealer in antiquarian & rare books and works on paper.
Our Bookshop and Gallery can be found in the heart of Mayfair at 106 New Bond Street, where most of our stock is available to view and on public display.
We exhibit at major international art fairs, including TEFAF (Maastricht and New York), Frieze Masters, Art Miami and Masterpiece London, as well as antiquarian & rare book fairs including New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Hong Kong.
