Andy Warhol (1928-1987) is arguably the most important American artist of the 20th century. He not only defined Pop Art but had an unrivaled 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. The elegant portrait presents the sitter as he gently shifts his torso to meet the viewer's gaze.

With the lightest touch, Warhol masterly portrays this male ideal with the details of his natural pose. Unique to this work is the drapery rendered behind the man, capturing the essence of their exchange in what appears to be a relatively formal (perhaps studio) environment. This distinct atmospheric quality is typically omitted in Warhol's line drawings, which tend to focus on his subjects rather than background details.

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 Gentleman" 

USA, circa 1950s

Black ballpoint pen on manila paper

Signed by artist, bottom left

Stamped on verso by the Estate of Andy Warhol and the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board, Inc. and numbered  TOP203.052 on the reverse.

16.5"H 13.75"W (work) 

23"H 20"W (framed)

Very good condition.