Andy Warhol

Woman with Hat

About this artwork

This work is one of many that Warhol referred to as his “Golden Pictures”. In 1956 he travelled the world and the art of the Far East undoubtedly influenced his fascination with gold the following year. His travelling companion, Charles Lisanby, commented that it was particularly the gold furniture with painted black designs from Bangkok that inspired Warhol. However, there are other possible influences. Warhol was raised in the Catholic Orthodox Church, which used gold-covered icons in its worship. Also, it is likely that he was aware of the gold paintings New York artist Robert Rauschenberg produced in 1953. Warhol’s use of gold leaf to cover the entire figure, with only the detail of her facial features highlighted, creates the feeling that she is a deity awaiting worship.

Updated before 2020

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  • artist:
    Andy Warhol (1928 - 1987) American
  • title:
    Woman with Hat
  • date created:
    1957
  • materials:
    Gold leaf and ink on paper
  • measurements:
    73.70 x 58.10 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Art Fund, 2008
  • accession number:
    AR00281
  • gallery:
This artwork is part of Artist Rooms
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Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol