Andy Warhol Prints - Condition Issues Important Or Age Appropriate?

Andy Warhol made limited edition prints from thesilver metallic of the can rim and label cannot be
1960's until his death in 1987. His early prints arerepaired.
the most iconic and well known by the generalFlowers are printed on a more hearty paper and
populace. Cows - starting in 1966, Marilyn Monroealthough they are 40 years old, most are in good
- 1967, Soup Cans - 1968 and 1969, Flowers -condition if cared for. Fading, handling creases and
1970, and Mao in 1972.soft (rounded) corners are the condition issues
The Cows are screen prints on wallpaper. Due tousually found.
the nature of wallpaper, these tend to roll andMao has a tendency to ripple. This is caused by
when framed, must have a matt covering theuse of heavy screen print inks on a thin paper.
perimeter to lessen the chance of rippling. SinceMinor rippling does not hurt the value; however
wallpaper is fragile, care must be taken to insurethe value decreases as the amount of rippling
there are no tears, especially along the perimeter.increases.
Marilyn Monroe is a screen print on paper. TheBeginning in 1979 with the "Space Fruits" Portfolio,
paper used is subject to acid burn and is fairlyWarhol began printing on Lenox Museum Board
fragile. The Marilyn prints need extra care whenpaper. Although he didn't use this paper
handled to prevent damage. It is rare to find aexclusively, he did use it frequently for the rest
perfect Marilyn print as they are 43 years old!of his career. Lenox Museum Board is very
Minor issues such as small creases and slightlysturdy and doesn't damage easily. In addition to
rounded corners are common and don't affect"Space Fruits", the following major portfolios use
the value as long as they are minor.this paper: Jews of the Twentieth Century,
Soup cans are fairly hearty with the exception ofMyths, All $'s, Endangered Species, Reigning
the red screen print ink that was used. The redQueens, Ads, Cowboys and Indians, and
tends to fade unless care is taken to keep theCamouflage.
print away from sunlight. Any damage to the