Uncle Sam

Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987)
1981
MediumSilkscreen on museum board, with diamond dust
Dimensions38 × 37 1/2 inches
CreditGift of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Schorr, 1983.
© The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / Ronald Feldman Gallery, New York.
Accession Number83.17a

Warhol has long been considered one of the preeminent figures of the Pop Art movement. These works, typical of his vividly rendered print multiples, are drawn from a ten-part fantasy series. The prints continued Warhol’s early fascination with American cultural icons such as Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe; but this time he chose subjects from popular culture rather than “real” people. His portrayal of actual and fictional figures in the same style suggests he saw celebrity as a unifying force, which might provide an equal opportunity ascension to the temple of fame.