Warhol’s West: Reframing American Myth in Pop Art

Cowboys and Indians, one of Andy Warhol’s final projects before his death, offers an iconic study of the American West situated between perception and history. After two years of work, sourcing images from the collection of the Museum of the American Indian, various nineteenth-century photographs, and film stills, the portfolio of ten screenprints culminated in the images we are delighted to present here— an arresting mix of legendary Western figures like Theodore Roosevelt, General Custer, and Geronimo alongside traditional Native American artifacts and commercialized depictions of the West like the Buffalo Nickel.

 

By blending mythologized symbols of the American West with his signature Pop Art aesthetic, Warhol adeptly critiques the way media and consumerism have shaped public perception of Indigenous cultures and historical figures. The vibrant colors, bold outlines, and layered imagery underscore Warhol’s ability to transform serious cultural subjects into striking visual commentary. This portfolio stands as a powerful exploration of America’s historical myths and their lasting impact on contemporary cultures.

 

Particularly interesting in the idea of perception in this portfolio is the original drive of its creation, where publishers Edmund Gaultney and Kent Klineman specifically approached Warhol in 1984 with the request that he take on a project with this theme. Warhol’s exploration of which scenes would resonate most with the public—and his contemplation of why the American West so powerfully reflects national identity—was central to the creation of the portfolio and remains key to its enduring resonance. This exploration of American identity and the West has only become more meaningful over time, as the West continues to shape popular culture and discourse, including through popular media such as the recent Paramount series Yellowstone. Simultaneously, art historians have increased their investigation into this previously undervalued area of Warhol’s oeuvre.

 

In 2019, the exhibition Warhol and the West traveled across the country, bringing familiarity with the imagery and a new appreciation for the subject matter within the traditional Western Art canon. This juxtaposition of the romanticization of the West, Warhol’s intentional use of imagery, and the art historical rediscovery of this critical theme in Warhol’s artistic output has thus allowed for a greater understanding and relevance of this portfolio today.

 

We are thrilled to offer this complete portfolio in our May 7th Prints and Multiples auction as part of the Property from the David R. Smith Revocable Trust. The portfolio was acquired by the family in 1986, shortly following its publication. As one of the rare complete sets with the unique John Wayne screenprint—featuring yellow accents that differentiate it from other impressions—the full set’s pristine condition and provenance present an opportunity for the most discerning collector to add a prime example of Pop Art and American history to their collection.

 

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