An iconic self portrait by Andy Warhol made in 1986 just prior to his unexpected death will be offered by Sotheby’s in a sale of Contemporary Art.
The work is part of a series of self-portraits painted in the twilight of the artist’s career, and widely considered to be some of his most important.
It is enormous, measuring 108 x 108in, and examines the conflict between his public image and his private life. Despite being very much in the spotlight he was also intensely enigmatic and the contradiction between the two elements of his persona represents a rare but important theme in his work.
It will be sold on the evening of 12 May 2010 and has been valued at $10-15 million.