Liz (see F. & S. II.7)

This extremely rare version of Andy Warhol's Liz is one of only 4 or 5 impressions known in this color combination. In contrast to the editioned work (see lot 342 in this sale), the pure white background here recalls Warhol's first explorations of Liz for an exhibition in 1963 at the Ferus Gallery, Los Angeles. Working on a pre-prepared canvas sprayed with silver paint Warhol produced 10 Silver Liz paintings which were shown together at the gallery, alongside other subjects from the silver screen such as Elvis and Jackie Kennedy. The monochrome movie star images are recognised as Warhol's most powerful evocation of the fleeting nature of celebrity. This Liz proof on white paper, one of only a handful given by Leo Castelli to close friends and collaborators in 1964, offers a rare opportunity to acquire one of the artist's most emblematic images.