ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
25 Cats Name(d) Sam and one Blue Pussy
the complete artist's book of eighteen offset lithographs with hand-colouring in watercolour (including one on the cover), circa 1954, on Ticonderoga Text laid paper, signed 'Andy Warhol' by the artist's mother and numbered 69 in pencil on the colophon, from the edition of 190, with the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board, Inc. ink stamp and numbered ' A267-076' in pencil on the endpaper, published by the artist, New York, bound with the original buckram boards (as issued)
Overall: 234 x 154 x12 mm.

see Feldman & Schellmann IV.52B-68B

In the 1950s, Andy Warhol explored basic printmaking for his self-published portfolios, books, and commercial illustrations. He reproduced his blotted-line ink drawings as offset lithographs, usually in one colour and on white paper, sometimes with hand-coloured elements. Warhol’s work in the 1950s was heavily influenced by Julia Warhola’s illustrative style and content. Inspired by his mother's love of cats, Warhol produced 25 Cats Name[d] Sam. His mother did the lettering, and Warhol's friends and studio assistants attended "colouring parties" to paint in the cats with bright watercolour dyes.

The cats are rendered carefully, with focus on form and colour. 25 Cats Name[d] Sam reflects Warhol's deeply personal connection with his mother. After having moved in with him in New York to help him as an artist, Julia released a sequel of sorts in 1957 called Holy Cats.

Please note that the starting bid on this lot has been lowered.