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LOT 038

1928 - 1987
American

Bighorn Ram (Endangered Species) (F&S. II.302)
screenprint on Lenox Museum Board
signed and editioned AP 4/30 and on verso stamped "© Andy Warhol 1983 Publisher Ronald Feldman Fine Arts Inc, New York" in red ink and with the printer's blindstamp chop mark
38 x 38 in, 96.5 x 96.5 cm

Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000 CAD

Sold for: $97,250

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
Frans Wynans, Vancouver
Acquired from the above by the present Private Collection, Vancouver, circa 1988

LITERATURE
Frayda Feldman and Jörg Schellmann, editors,
Andy Warhol Prints: A Catalogue Raisonné, 1962 – 1987, 4th edition, 2003, listed pages 130 and 218 and reproduced page 131, catalogue #II.302


In the early 1980s, American Pop artist Andy Warhol was approached by environmental activists to help raise awareness about the dire situation facing animals around the world. The idea for this 1983 project arose from a discussion Warhol had with New York art dealers Ronald and Frayda Feldman. Warhol created a series of 10 colour screenprints that portrayed animals from the Endangered Species Act of 1973: the Siberian tiger, San Francisco silverspot (butterfly), orangutan, Grévy’s zebra, black rhinoceros, African elephant, Pine Barrens tree frog, giant panda, bald eagle and bighorn sheep. The number of these animals were declining due to loss of habitat, international trafficking and pesticides such as DDT. Since 1983, when this series was produced, the situation has improved for some of these animals—the bald eagle population has rebounded, and both the African elephant and bighorn sheep have had their status changed from endangered to “vulnerable.”

Viewed in profile, this ram is a striking animal. Characteristic of Warhol, the image, based on a photograph, is overdrawn with strong lines that emphasize features such as the magnificent horns, the penetrating eye and tufted hair. The image is glamorized, in the manner of Warhol’s other prints. Colour is a strong feature, varying within the edition, and this print, using cobalt blue, gold and bright green, to list a few, is particularly striking.

The prints numbered in Roman numerals within each edition were given to wildlife organizations for fundraising projects. Following the success of the Endangered Species prints, Warhol worked with Kurt Benirschke of the San Diego Zoo to produce a book titled Vanishing Animals, for which Warhol provided the illustrations.

This image was printed on Lenox Museum Board. The edition is of 150, with 30 Aps, 5 PP, 5 EP, 3 HC, 10 numbered in Roman Numerals, 1 BAT, 30 TP, signed and numbered in pencil. The edition was printed by Rupert Jasen Smith in New York and published by Ronald Feldman Fine Arts Inc., New York.


Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000 CAD

All prices are in Canadian Dollars


Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information posted, errors and omissions may occur. All bids are subject to our Terms and Conditions of Business. Bidders must ensure they have satisfied themselves with the condition of the Lot prior to bidding. Condition reports are available upon request.