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Andy Warhol "Dude"

Creator: Andy Warhol (Attributed)
Offered by: Allan Katz Americana

Description
Andy Warhol was a huge admirer and collector of American folk art. He began to collect in the 1950s while he was still a commercial artist. During lunch breaks, Warhol combed Second Avenue antiques shops for pieces of folk art. It was a time in history when the shops were filled, yet Warhol was quoted saying, “Oh, this is such hard work.” Good folk art was difficult to identify in contrast to good Art Deco. “Oh, I just love Art Deco. It’s so easy. Everything has a signature.” He loved bargains, and he was able to purchase these objects inexpensively.
In 1977, the American Folk Art Museum held the exhibition Folk and Funk, which celebrated Andy Warhol’s folk art collection. Warhol suddenly died on September 22, 1987 at the age of fifty-nine from complications after surgery. I acquired this “dude” when the contents of his New York City townhouse were sold by Sotheby’s in April 1988. The photograph was just recently discovered as it appeared in a video, “Andy Warhol’s Factory People.” It shows a thirty three year old Warhol standing behind the chair while Ted Carey, who was one of Warhol’s pre-Pop assistants, cradles the “dude” in his arms. The photograph was likely taken by Edward Wallowitch who worked for Warhol as a photographer and would become one of his lovers.
The “dude” is articulated and his head slightly rotates. His face is humorous and bold, and he was painted with an assured expressionism worthy of a Matisse or a Picasso.

More Information

Origin:	United States
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	carved and paint - decorated wood and metal with fabric clothing
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	circa 1910
Styles / Movements:	Folk Art, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	102154

Dimensions

H.	33 in;
H.	83.82 cm;

Message from Seller:

A passionate collector and a successful and respected dealer in early American advertising since 1973, Allan expanded this passion to include collecting period American folk art and Americana. He subsequently became a dealer in this material in 1985. Allan has earned a reputation, in both the dealer and collector communities, as being an authority in this subject matter, for having extensive knowledge, a keen eye for the material and a love for this exciting American art form.

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