
Andy Warhol 1928-1987
The Shadow (F&S II.267) is the final work in Andy Warhol’s Myths portfolio, created in 1981. Unlike the other figures in the series—icons borrowed from mass media or cultural folklore—The Shadow is unique in that Warhol used his own likeness to portray the mysterious crime-fighting character originally popularised in 1930s pulp novels and radio serials.
By inserting himself into the role of The Shadow, Warhol makes a rare self-referential gesture, aligning his carefully constructed public persona with the idea of masked identity. The choice of character speaks to themes of secrecy, performance, and mythmaking—concepts central to both the original figure and to Warhol’s own practice. In adopting the guise of a fictional detective who lives in disguise, Warhol blurs the boundary between artist and image, between subject and projection.
Executed with Warhol’s trademark silkscreen technique and finished with diamond dust, this print fuses Pop Art aesthetics with a darker, introspective sensibility. Signed and numbered in pencil lower right, it remains one of the most conceptually intriguing works in the Myths series.
Presented by Coskun Fine Art in excellent condition, with full authentication and provenance available upon request.
Literature
Feldman & Schellmann II.267