Santa Claus Trial Proof From Myths, 1981; Screenprint in colors with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board; Signed Andy Warhol and numbered TP 26/30 in pencil lower right; Published by Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, Inc., New York; Size - Sheet 38" x 38", Frame 45 1/2 x 45 1/2"; Catalogue Raisonne: Feldman/Schellmann: II.266; Framed floated on an acid free mat, silver wood frame, and UV conservation clear museum perfect glass.
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In 1981, Andy Warhol created a series of works that he called Myths. They were all portraits of iconic figures and included, The Star a portrait of Greta Garbo from the film Mata Hari, Uncle Sam, Mammy, Howdy Doody, Superman, The Witch, Dracula, Mickey Mouse, Santa Claus, and The Shadow, a profile portrait of Andy Warhol in red casting a shadow on a wall beside him. In addition to Warhol's use of bold graphic colors, he added diamond dust to the prints. Diamond dust was Andy's term for the finely crushed glass that was added to the lines and/or the background of his serigraphed prints. The resulting works were spectacular, and the diamond dust was the magical sparkle that seemed to make the works even more mythical!
Close up of the two Santa Claus faces.
Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Santy, or simply Santa is a mythical figure who, in many Western cultures, brings gifts to "good" children on Christmas Eve and the early morning hours of Christmas Day. The modern day Santa Claus is derived from a combination of the British figure of Father Christmas, the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas, and Saint Nicholas the historical Greek bishop and gift-giver of Myra.
Close up of the edition number and the Andy Warhol pencil signature.
L. Frank Baum's 1902 children's book The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, further popularized Santa Claus. Because much of Santa Claus's history was not set in stone at the time, this allowed Baum plenty of room to provide a history and greater character development. Images of Santa Claus were further popularized through the artist Haddon Sundblom's depiction of him for The Coca-Cola Company's Christmas advertising campaign of the 1930's. The popularity of the now idealized image created urban legends that Santa Claus was invented by The Coca-Cola Company, or that Santa wears red and white because they are the colors used to promote the Coca-Cola brand; neither of which is true.
Close up of the Andy Warhol copyright and the Publisher stamp, verso.
Framed "Santa Claus" Trial Proof from Myths, 1981 by Andy Warhol.
Andy Warhol adored Christmas and created a great many works of art centered around the Holiday, as well as numerous advertising campaigns. This work, "Santa Claus," from 1981 was created by Warhol by first photographing an individual dressed up as Santa and then selecting the best photograph in which to begin work. The image was then cropped, paint colors chosen; and after, silkscreening, Diamond Dust was glued on top of the outlines giving "Santa Claus" a mythical and magical quality. This is a unique Trial Proof of "Santa Claus" and the color combination is specific to this work. In addition to the unique Warhol color choices, there is an addition face image of Santa that was screened in red, 90 degrees and to the right of the main image. Warhol had utilized addition turned and shifted images in his paintings of the 1960's however, this is the only known impression of Santa Claus where a double facial exposure exists. The words of the song "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" can really enhance the idea of the double face image with the words "He sees you when you're sleeping - He knows when you're awake - He knows if you've been bad or good - So be good for goodness sake!" Those extra set of eyes see all of the children around the world; and this work is so beautiful, that it should be hung on the wall and enjoyed all year long!
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