Andy Warhol’s Mao portfolio, published in 1972, consists of ten screen prints (Feldman & Schellmann II.90–99) and is widely regarded as one of the artist’s most politically charged and conceptually layered works. Following President Nixon’s historic visit to China that same year, Warhol became fascinated by the global media presence of Chairman Mao Zedong—an icon of Communist ideology presented through the same visual mechanisms as Western celebrity culture.

Warhol sourced Mao’s image from the official portrait published in the Little Red Book, the widely distributed symbol of Maoist propaganda. By applying his silkscreen technique—originally used to depict stars like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley—Warhol deliberately blurred the line between political power and pop iconography. The Mao portfolio transforms a state-sanctioned political figure into a repeatable, commodified image, drawing direct parallels between consumerism and propaganda.

The Mao series marks a turning point in Warhol’s post-1960s practice, as he began engaging more overtly with political subjects and cultural spectacle. Today, the complete portfolio remains a cornerstone of Warhol’s printmaking career and is essential for collectors interested in his exploration of media, ideology, and image-making.

Coskun Fine Art offers the full portfolio in excellent condition, with guaranteed authenticity and full provenance available upon request.