Artwork details
Artist
Andy Warhol 1928–1987
Title
“The Summer Dancers”
Date
1955
Medium
Ink and dye on paper
Dimensions
Support: 215 x 145 mm
frame: 525 x 393 x 38 mm
frame: 525 x 393 x 38 mm
Collection
Acquisition
ARTIST ROOMS
Acquired jointly with the National Galleries of Scotland through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund 2008
Acquired jointly with the National Galleries of Scotland through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund 2008
Reference
AR00263
On loan to
Modern Art Oxford (Oxford, UK)
Online caption
Throughout his career Warhol created numerous artist books. However, he also designed book covers for other authors. This work is for the novel ‘The Summer Dancers’ by Clyde Miller. Throughout the 1950s cupids, fairies and angels were a recurring motif in Warhol’s work. The style is also typical of the time, with his blotted-line technique combined with vibrant colours. The calligraphy was almost certainly completed by Warhol’s mother, Julia, who moved to New York in 1952 and lived with her son until 1971. Whilst there she regularly assisted with his illustrations, adding colour and calligraphy, and even signing his name.