Andy Warhol (1928-1987) is arguably the most important American artist of the 20th century. He not only defined Pop Art, but had an unrivalled influence on artists and image-making. 

In recent years there has been new scholarship and increasing commercial interest in his early works, material created prior to Pop Art.

During the 1950's Warhol established himself in New York City as a trendy illustrator contributing to a wide number of fashion publications and retailers. His simple line drawings were modern and gentle, with a subtle but unmistakably gay touch. In a short period of time, he created an aesthetic that was both versatile and distinctively his. 

Like the consummate artist that he was, Warhol was frequently drawing. The images he created during this era, independent from his fashion commissions, were romantic, hopeful and unabashedly gay. 

Taschen, the legendary art book publisher, recently released the book  which celebrates his drawings of the male form from the pre-Pop era. 

This drawing is a paradigm of Warhol's mastery of line. This elegant portrait, presents the sitter with one shoulder relaxed downward (almost reminiscent of contrapposto) as he peers over it. 

With the lightest touch, Warhol masterly portrays this male ideal with the details of his natural pose and the subtle eroticism of his unbuttoned trousers. Aside from the minimal details at his waistline, Warhol omitted any sign of the man's pants, adding to the air of mystery and call for imagination that this piece evokes. 

As the Warhol market continues to gallop to a stratosphere beyond, there are fewer and fewer examples of unique, original works in circulation.  

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Untitled "Seated Man" 

USA, circa 1956

Black ballpoint pen on manila paper

Stamped on verso by the Estate of Andy Warhol and the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board, Inc. and numbered on the reverse.

16.75"H 13.75"W (work) 

23.5"H 20.75"W (framed) 

Framed with museum glass

Very good condition.