Andy Warhol – Marilyn “This is Not by Me”

Andy Warhol is undeniably one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, alongside Pablo Picasso. Born in Pittsburgh in 1928, he became a central figure in the Pop Art movement during the 1960s, revolutionizing art with his use of iconic images from mass culture. Marilyn Monroe, Coca-Cola, Campbell’s Soup—Warhol transformed everyday objects and celebrities into art, erasing the boundaries between high and low culture. His New York Factory became a creative hub for artists, musicians, and celebrities, cementing his reputation as a cultural pioneer and visionary.

The “This is Not” Series: Irony and Provocation

Among the most fascinating stories in the Warhol universe are the screenprints known as “This is Not by Me,” created during the 1980s. Following the global success of the Marilyn prints in the 1960s, the print shop Sunday B Morning began producing unauthorized versions. With his characteristic irony, Warhol transformed this practice into a conceptual gesture: he signed some of these prints with the phrase “This is not by me Andy Warhol.” This intentionally ambiguous act elevated these prints from mere copies to iconic statements on serial reproduction, celebrity, and the commodification of art.

The works presented on Collecto come from two distinct yet equally authentic editions, both certified and signed “Andy Warhol This is not by me.” Printed on paper (84.5 x 84.5 cm), they feature Warhol’s Marilyn in a pop and provocative style. The first, dated 1985, has been exhibited at major venues including “Andy Warhol” at Complesso del Vittoriano (Rome, 2018), Basilica della Pietrasanta (Naples, 2019), and “Andy Warhol Beginning” at the Hyundai Museum (Seoul, 2022). The second version, also from the 1980s, was featured at the Hyundai Museum’s “Andy Warhol Beginning” exhibition in 2022.

Market Value and Recent Performance

The market for Andy Warhol’s works, including the “This is Not by Me” prints, remains robust and dynamic. According to “The Royal Warhol Year: 2023 Print Market Report,” Warhol’s prints achieved a performance increase of +71.5% in 2022 compared to 2021, confirming strong international collector demand. Currently, these prints are listed on platforms such as Artsy and Christie’s with average prices ranging from €35,000 to €55,000, depending on condition and provenance. Some examples have exceeded €60,000 at recent auctions, with peaks surpassing €70,000 for prints in museum-quality condition.

Why Collect “This is Not by Me” by Warhol

Acquiring an “This is Not by Me” by Andy Warhol means owning not just a piece of Pop Art, but also a direct expression of the artist’s deeper philosophy: art as a reflection on reproduction, seriality, and the very concept of authenticity. These screenprints capture the moment when the line between original and copy blurs, anticipating questions that remain highly relevant in today’s art world.