SUPERMAN (FROM MYTHS PORTFOLIO). 1981. UNIQUE TRIAL PRINT.

NYC: Ron Feldman, 1981

96.5 x 96.5cm, original six colour silkscreen with diamond dust printed on Lenox Museum Board, the image of the cartoon superhero being appropriated by Warhol with over printing and deliberate mis-registration of the colours.

A hugely desirable image from the Myths Portfolio – but here a unique trial print with different colours and placement of the over-drawing from the other issued prints. Warhol often issued trial prints (made by the artist to test out different colour combinations before a final decision on the version to be editioned). There are 30 such prints that were signed and marked TP but this is one of the non-issued silkscreens made at the same time but not released until much later. Trial prints are usually much more expensive than the issued edition as they are all unique but this is more affordable due to the lack of a signature – but it is very much an original Warhol printed during the artist’s lifetime.

This is an unsigned example but with the required blind stamp and rubber stamp impressions on the reverse from the publisher and the copyright notice indicating DC Comics right to the original copyright.

Provenance: Vendome Gallery.

This is in very good condition and has been framed in wood, glass and acid free backing board.