“Flowers” by Andy Warhol belongs to one of the most iconic series of the artist’s production of the 1960s. Created in 1964, the work dates from a crucial moment in the development of the language of Pop Art, when Warhol transformed images drawn from contemporary visual culture into subjects that were immediately recognisable, serial and, at the same time, highly evocative.
In this version, the floral motif is rendered through the use of acrylic and silkscreen ink on canvas, with a compact composition of strong visual impact. The image of the flowers, apparently simple and decorative, is removed from a naturalistic dimension and transformed into an icon. This contrast between a traditional subject and the mechanical language of silkscreen printing represents one of the most characteristic elements of Warhol’s research during these years.
Of particular importance is the provenance Pio Monti Associazione Culturale – Rome. Pio Monti was a central figure in the international modern and contemporary art circuit between Italy and the United States, and it is documented that he accompanied Andy Warhol during one of his visits to Italy. He later associated with the artist both in Italy and in New York, where he met him again at the Factory. His relationship with the Leo Castelli Gallery circle is documented both by his visits to the gallery during his stays in New York, as recalled by Giancarlo Politi, and by a photograph showing Monti and Leo Castelli together in New York in April 1986.
In this context, the presence on the back of the work of the inscription “Ivan Karp N.Y.”, written in black marker on the frame and in pencil on the protective board, is also of particular interest. Ivan Karp, associate director of the Leo Castelli Gallery, was in fact a central figure in the early promotion of Warhol’s work. The work also bears on the back the signature and date in green marker “Andy Warhol 64”.
Description: Acrylic and silkscreen ink on canvas, signed and dated on the back in green marker “Andy Warhol 64”. Also bears on the back the signature “Ivan Karp N.Y.” in black marker on the frame and in pencil on the protective board. H cm 20.3 × 20.3.
Provenance: Pio Monti Associazione Culturale – Rome; Important private collection – Modena.
Documentation: The work is accompanied by a provenance declaration on photograph signed by Pio Monti and by a photograph showing the current owner with Pio Monti.
Hammer Price: € 115.200,00
Auction 96 – 10 September 2025 – Modern and Contemporary Art
All works by Andy Warhol presented at auction
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