Andy Warhol Gems, 1978 FS II.186 is one of four screenprints in Warhol's Gems series. This print features a rounded ruby lying on its side, with its shadow sketched with Warhol's line work. The composition is steeped in deep reds, pinks and magentas, creating a richly saturated work. Warhol became a jewelry collector later in his life, and was longtime friends with Paloma Picasso, a career jewelry designer. The artist was particularly fascinated with glitz and glam and all things celebrity throughout his career. Upper class people, socialites, models and actors were consistently seen at Warhol's studio, dubbed The Factory, for wild parties and celebrations. Flashy jewelry full of rare rubies, diamonds, emeralds were common accessories for people in these circles. Expensive jewelry is associated with status, class, and capitalism, an ostentatious display of wealth, so it makes perfect sense Warhol would be interested in this subject.

Created in 1977, this work is a screenprint on Strathmore Bristol paper, hand signed by Andy Warhol in felt pen in the lower left.  Numbered from an edition of 20, aside from 5 Artist Proofs marked 'AP,' one Printer's Proof marked 'PP,' and two Printer's Proofs numbered in Roman numerals..

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Andy Warhol Gems, 1978 FS II.186 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonné and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Feldman, Frayda and Jörg Schellmann, A Catalogue Raisonne, 4th ed. Listed as catalogue raisonné no. II.186 on page 103.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Andy WarholGems, 1978 FS II.186 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.