Title: Hans Christian Andersen (FS II.399)
Medium: Screenprint on Lenox Museum Board
Year: 1987
Size: 38″ x 38″
Edition: Edition of 25. Numbered and signed in pencil on verso by the Estate of Andy Warhol.
Warhol’s Anderson series showcases a central composition of mirroring figures in what seem to be women holding onto a tree form with an image of a ballerina at the top of the image. In these works, Warhol minimizes his color palette to about 3 colors all printed flat on paper. The folk art inspired work within this series does not give the viewer a distinct portrayal of who the figures and objects actually are, but instead uses the title, Hans Christian Anderson, to refer us to the Danish author who is best remembered for his fairy tales that expressed themes that transcend age and nationality. Some of his famous tales include The Little Mermaid, The Snow Queen, The Ugly Duckling and The Nighingale. His stories have not only inspired Warhol in this series, but have inspired plays, ballets, and both live-action and animated films. Warhol’s playful renderings of scenes from these tales portray a childlike depiction of scenes that could represent scenes from his various stories.
