Couple embracing. Circa 1954/ 1955.
Ball-point drawing.
Verso with the estate stamp and the stamp of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and the handwritten number "246.024." Additionally, inscribed "SF". On creme paper, irregular upper edge. 42.3 x 35.4 cm (16.6 x 13.9 in), size of sheet. [EH].

• Andy Warhol, the icon of Pop Art, is a brilliant draftsman with unerring, at times ornamental lines.
• Prime example of Andy Warhol's brilliant graphic mastery.
• His early drawings impress with their unique, pointed linework.

PROVENANCE: From the artist's estate.
Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, New York (until 2014)
Private collection, Switzerland (since 2014).

Classicism was also a popular art movement in America, reflected not only in the architecture of the Capitol and the White House in Washington, D.C., which continues to significantly shape the public image of the USA to this day but also had its artistic influences in the private sphere well into the 20th century. Warhol's inspiration for the present drawing could have been either a painted tondo, a gem, a cameo, or even a photograph based on such a model, presumably depicting the ancient subject of "Cupid and Psyche." By adding the two doves, also kissing, at the lower right of the image, Warhol lends the love story between the god Cupid and the mortal princess Psyche a sweetly naive touch reminiscent of Biedermeier-era friendship notes. The present drawing, executed in confident strokes, impressively demonstrates not only the drawing skills of the trained commercial artist but also that Andy Warhol, the most important representative of American Pop Art, already sought a visual engagement with art historical tradition in his early work.

In good condition. Upper edge irregular. Minimally browned and with isolated colro tarces and very few discernible foxmarks.