(1928-1987) is arguably the most important American artist of the 20th century. He not only defined Pop Art but had an unparalleled and iconic influence on artistic culture and image-making. 

During the 1950's Warhol became established in New York City as an illustrator for many fashion publications, often designing advertisements for shoes. This period informed his continued fascination with representing the body – both nude and adorned. His minimal line drawings were modern and gentle, with a versatile gay aesthetic that was distinctively his. 

The images he created independently from his commercial work were daring yet romantic sketches of anonymous figures and male nudes. His 1956 exhibition, “Studies for a Boy Book”,  allowed Warhol to assert his own homosexuality, but faced public rejection due to the queer and erotic subject-matter. 

“Feet” is one of many works where negative space and framing are used to conceal the subject’s identity. He portrays a pair of feet with his playful sensibility and delicate touch, teasing the viewer’s imagination. 

This original drawing is a paradigm of Warhol’s sensual studies of the human form. During this period, the artist created countless representations of feet and shoes, bridging his commercial and artistic practices. 

In 2010 Kasmin (New York) organized the exhibit  which illuminated this significant motif from his first decade in New York. 

In recent years there has been new scholarship and commercial interest in these early works created prior to Pop Art. Taschen, the legendary art book publisher, released  which celebrates his drawings of the male form - and inspired a new generation of collectors and curators to re-examine this material. 

As the Warhol market continues to accelerate, there are fewer examples of unique, original works in circulation. 

Questions about this piece?  or call . Visit our Toronto gallery on .

“Feet”

USA, 1950s

Black ballpoint pen on paper

Stamped verso by the estate of Andy Warhol and the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board, Inc. 

17"H 14”W (work)

23.25"H 20.25"W (framed)

Very good condition

Artwork comes with a certificate of provenance from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.