Andy Warhol – Ladies and Gentlemen (II.130 e II.137)

Andy Warhol, one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, captured the spirit of his time by transforming pop culture into art. With the Ladies and Gentlemen series (1975), Warhol paid homage to New York’s drag and transgender community, celebrating their uniqueness and expressive power.

Created using screen printing on Arches paper, these works represent one of the artist’s most iconic productions. Born from an idea by gallerist Luciano Anselmino, the subjects were recruited by Bob Colacello and Ronnie Cutrone from underground clubs like the Gilded Grape, where the queer community could express themselves freely.

Two Unseen Masterpieces on Collecto

Collecto features two works from this series: Ladies and Gentlemen II.130 (a complete portfolio of ten screen prints, each 110.5 x 72.4 cm, edition 67/125) and Ladies and Gentlemen II.137 (single screen print, 109.2 x 71.1 cm, edition 67/125).

The II.130 portfolio is a manifesto of underground culture: ten portraits of Black and Latinx drag queens captured in theatrical poses, vibrant colors, and intense expressions revealing both strength and vulnerability. The signature, numbering, and date on the back confirm the work’s authenticity, printed by Alexander Heinrici and published by Luciano Anselmino.

The II.137 piece, on the other hand, captures the enigmatic figure of Broadway, with hypnotic colors and an enigmatic gaze that draws the viewer into an intimate, intense dimension. Again, the pencil signature and numbering confirm the authenticity and rarity of the work.

Market Value and Auction Records

Works from the Ladies and Gentlemen series have seen significant appreciation in the international art market. According to Artprice and Artnet, the complete II.130 portfolio has reached auction prices of €500,000 in recent sales (Christie’s, 2023), while single pieces like II.137 regularly exceed €70,000, with record prices up to €85,000 for well-preserved, signed editions.

This positive trend is further confirmed by an average annual price increase of +14% over the last five years, demonstrating growing interest from collectors, museums, and foundations. On Collecto, both works are offered at competitive prices compared to the international market, providing a rare opportunity to acquire two Warhol masterpieces with impeccable provenance.

Why Collect Warhol’s Ladies and Gentlemen

Acquiring these works means owning a piece of contemporary art history and a tribute to New York’s 1970s queer culture. With his sensitivity and ability to transform street life into immortal art, Warhol tells stories of inclusion, transformation, and resilience.

Although they belong to the same series, the two works offer different perspectives: the II.130 portfolio is a complete document of the vibrant drag scene, while II.137 focuses on the individuality of a single subject. Both pieces represent Warhol’s storytelling power, giving voice to those often marginalized by society.