This work, one of many Warhol referred to as his “Golden Pictures”, shows the process behind his blotted-line technique. The image on the right is the initial drawing which Warhol would then have printed on to the gold leaf on the purple sheet of paper. In 1956 he travelled the world and the art of the Far East undoubtedly influenced his interest in gold. His travelling companion commented that it was particularly Bangkok’s gold furniture with black designs that inspired him. However, there are other possible influences. Warhol grew up in the Catholic Orthodox Church whose religious icons often featured gold backgrounds. Also, it’s likely that he knew of the gold paintings Robert Rauschenberg produced in 1953. With Baboon, Warhol’s garish colour combination anticipates his Pop images of the 1960s.