“Andy Warhol by Hand: The 1950s” showcases Warhol’s work prior to his foray into screenprinting. The highlight is Warhol’s ink on paper “Butterfly Lady” circa 1953, which could fetch over $100,000—the highest pre-sale estimate among the 27 lots.
“It is a prominent example of a figure with rather androgynous facial features. In fact, it has recently been suggested that this drawing is a self-portrait of the artist in ‘low drag,’ a self-portrait in disguise since he was not presenting himself in drag at the time,” the lot description notes.
The “rare-to-market drawings offer a vivid picture of Warhol’s early, whirlwind years in New York City,” the website announces. Items are up for bid through June 20.
A portrait of English actress Hilda Trevelyan—best remembered for creating the role of Wendy in “Peter Pan”—is expected to sell for at least $20,000.
An ink and watercolor on paper Christmas wreath with rose flower buds and a red ribbon at the bottom could fetch $40,000.
