Andy WARHOL (1928-1987), Bighorn Ram - from the series "Endangered Species"

color serigraphy, vellum paper of very high weight 60 x 60 cm, numbered in pencil p. d. 218/2400, signed in composition l. d. "Andy Warhol", on the back publisher's dark blue stamp "CMOA" (Carnegie Museum of Art - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) and hologram "verification of authenticity".
"Endangered Species" is one of Andy Warhol's key and most and recognizable graphic series. "Endangered Species" was Warhol's first departure from earlier themes and marked a turning point in the artist's entire artistic path. It is often believed that this series was created at the peak of his career, that is, at the moment when Warhol had learned the technical characteristics of serigraphy to perfection and stopped developing his unique style. The idea for the "Endangered Species" series was born during a conversation between Warhol and his friends Ronnie and Gina Lombardo. The couple was involved in animal protection efforts and persuaded Warhol to draw attention to the issue through his art. Warhol, who was often inspired by themes from pop culture and contemporary social issues, took up the subject, creating colorful, bright portraits of endangered animals in his signature style.
The graphics in the series were significantly successful, precisely because of their departure from Warhol's previous subject matter based on so-called mass culture. In the series, Warhol portrayed 10 animals included in the Endangered Species Act - the US Endangered Species Act of 1973. The set of "Endangered Species" are: Orangutan (Orangutan), Bald Eagle (Bald Eagle), Siberian Tiger (Siberian Tiger), Black Rhinoceros (Black Rhinoceros), Asian Elephant (Asian Elephant), Giant Panda (Giant Panda), Pine Barrens Butterfly (Pine Barrens Butterfly), Cheetah (San Francisco Silverspot), Leatherback Turtle (Leatherback Turtle), Kakapo Parrot (Kakapo Parrot).
As a result of the artist's later interest in nature issues, Andy Warhol added an additional work depicting the Bighorn Ram (Bighorn Sheep) to his Endangered Species series. The addition of the sheep to the "Endangered Species" series shows that Warhol was not only interested in the diversity of endangered animals, but also responded to new information and threats in the natural world by expanding his series with new works. Each work is characterized by intense colors and clear contours, which is typical of Warhol's style. The artist used the silkscreen technique, which he often used in his works, allowing him to create multiple prints from a single design. "Endangered Species" is not only an artistic expression, but also a form of activism. Warhol wanted to draw attention to the problem of animal extinction, highlighting their beauty and uniqueness through his colorful, vivid portraits. The series is often seen as an artistic reminder of the need to protect nature and take care to preserve biodiversity. The "Endangered Species" series has been exhibited in various museums and galleries around the world, helping to raise awareness about animal conservation. Warhol's works from the series are prized by art collectors and those involved in ecology alike.