Beethoven (F. & S. II.390)
Beethoven (F. & S. II.390)
Unsigned Print
Andy Warhol
102 x 102cm, Edition of 60, Screenprint, 1987
£80,000-£120,000
$150,000-$230,000 Market Value Indicator
$150,000-$220,000 Market Value Indicator
¥740,000-¥1,110,000 Market Value Indicator
€90,000-€140,000 Market Value Indicator
$850,000-$1,270,000 Market Value Indicator
¥17,290,000-¥25,940,000 Market Value Indicator
$110,000-$160,000 Market Value Indicator
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Meaning & Analysis
Printed in 1985, Beethoven(F. & S. II.390) is a screen print by Andy Warhol that captures his keen interest in icons of popular culture. The print depicts an image of the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven rendered in bold colours.
Beethoven’s stern gaze is accentuated by pink gestural lines that contrast with the vibrant dark blue of the composer’s face. His blue face and hands stand out in a striking manner against the black backdrop, with attention being drawn to Beethoven’s bright red cravat. Warhol uses the 1820 portrait of the composer by Joseph Karl Stieler as his source of material for the print. By manipulating the colours of this portrait, Warhol transforms Beethoven into a pop icon, thus blurring the boundaries between high and low culture.
Beethoven(F. & S. II.390) is part of a portfolio of four screen prints in Warhol’s Beethoven series, produced by the artist shortly before his death in 1987. Warhol superimposes the sheet of music of Beethoven’s Sonata No.14, better known as the Moonlight Sonata, over the portrait. The notes are printed in a subtle grey and blue which does not detract attention from Beethoven’s striking pose. Moonlight Sonata was one of Beethoven’s most popular compositions and gained huge notoriety from the moment it was written. This choice reflects Warhol’s fascination with popular culture and fame.
