Accessible Artworks

This week we are taking a look at some of the artworks currently available at Shapero Modern by iconic artists, such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein, which don't come with a multi-million-pound price tag.

Banksy, Kate Moss – Original Colour Way, 2005

Read on to discover how you can own a piece of art history and enrich your collection with timeless works of art…

Warhol

In 2022 Andy Warhol’s Shot Sage Blue Marilyn (1964) sold for $195 million, the second-highest price ever paid for an artwork at auction. The iconic work is quintessentially Warholian and is one of the most recognisable works of art in history.

Though Shot Sage Blue Marilyn was sold, there are plenty of fine examples of Warhol’s work which could become a part of your collection, and won’t require $195 million!

Details of Renaissance Paintings: Sandro Botticelli, Birth of Venus, 1482 (now on view as part of our exhibition The Modern Muse ) is a striking example of Warhol’s ability to reimagine classic themes through the lens of contemporary culture. Inspired by Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Warhol brings a modern twist to the Renaissance masterpiece, using his signature vibrant colours and bold outlines.

Andy Warhol, Details of Renaissance Paintings: Sandro Botticelli, Birth of Venus, 1482 , 1984

Picasso

In 1937, Picasso created the painting Femme au béret (1937), a joyous portrayal of his then muse, Marie-Thérèse Walter.

Femme au béret (1937)

At the core of Picasso's body of work are portraits of his muses—Marie-Thérèse Walter, Dora Maar, Françoise Gilot, and Jacqueline Roque. His complex relationships with each of these women inspired a series of portraits that span the spectrum from sensual to tormented, and these portraits have become some of his most recognisable works.
Whilst his Femme au béret may have sold for £49.8 million at auction in 2018, Picasso’s oeuvre also includes an impressive quantity of fine art editions which he made throughout his life, and these prints are available at a much friendlier price point.

Pablo Picasso, Portrait de Femme II , 1955

Portrait de Femme II , available in our current exhibition , is a beautiful example of Picasso’s print-making prowess. A portrait of his second wife and muse, Jacqueline Roque, this work belongs to the era in which Roque was the only woman painted by Picasso. To buy this piece would not simply be owning a Picasso, but also acquiring a small part of the rich history of lovers and muses.

 

Lichtenstein

One of the pioneering figures of the Pop Art movement, Roy Lichtenstein famously elevated comic books and advertisements to high art. Demand for his works has remained high, experiencing little fluctuation, and his work remains a firm favourite for many top collectors. I Can See the Whole Room...and There's Nobody in it! (1961) is a fine example of Lichtenstein’s iconic comic strip style, selling in 2011 for over $43 million.

I Can See the Whole Room...and There's Nobody in It! Photo: © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein

Alongside this, Foot and Hand , currently available at Shapero Modern, provides a comparable bold, iconic visual experience. This piece showcases Lichtenstein’s signature Ben-Day dots and vibrant colour palette, capturing the essence of Pop Art by transforming mundane imagery into striking visual art.

Roy Lichtenstein, Foot and Hand , 1964

Owning a work like this allows collectors to engage with a pivotal moment in art, bringing a piece of Lichtenstein's iconic style into their collection. 

 

Hockney

David Hockney’s instantly recognisable swimming pool pieces reached new heights when The Splash sold for £23 million in 2020, marking an almost 700% increase in value since it last sold in 2006. His work reflects a vibrant, sunlit aesthetic that captures the Californian lifestyle, blending abstraction with realism.

The Splash Photo: © David Hockney 1966

 

David Hockney, Paper Pools , 1980

 

Conclusion

The high prices seen at auction underscore the enduring appeal and significance of works by artists like Picasso, Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Hockney. These masterpieces not only represent the pinnacle of their creators' artistic achievements but also contribute to the rich tapestry of art history.

 

Owning a piece of this history doesn't have to be out of reach. Shapero Modern offers a selection of exceptional works by these iconic artists at much more accessible price points, providing artworks that bring the same essence of innovation and cultural significance into your collection.

 

For instance, David Hockney's lithograph Paper Pools , currently available at Shapero Modern, represents the artist's dedication to capturing the serene beauty and leisurely lifestyle associated with California. This work provides collectors with a more accessible entry point into the world of Hockney’s swimming pools, offering the same visual delight without the multi-million-pound price. It’s a chance to own a piece of art history and enjoy a snapshot of sun-drenched paradise.

 Featured Artists

Andy WarhoL

Pablo Picasso

Roy Lichtenstein

David Hockney

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