Andy Warhol (1927-1987)
Teddy Roosevelt (FS II.386), 1986
screenprint on Lenox Museum Board, 70/250
36 x 36 inches
41.25 x 41.25 inches (frame)
signed lower right: Andy Warhol 70/250
printer chop mark lower left: Rupert Jasen Smith, NY
verso: stamped © ANDY WARHOL 1986 PUBLISHER: GAULTNEY-KLINEMAN ART INC NEW YORK

Teddy Roosevelt is a highly desired screenprint from Andy Warhol’s Cowboys and Indians Portfolio, a 10-part series of “Old American West” figures and objects completed in 1986. In the series, Warhol captures common notions of the Wild West as they exist in the American imagination. The artist used a famous 1898 image of Roosevelt in a Rough Rider uniform for the basis of the work. The Rough Riders fought against Spanish control of Cuba and eventually settled a deal with Spain to forfeit their American soil. It was three years later when Roosevelt became the 26th U.S. President. Roosevelt’s appearance communicates the impact of pop culture on shaping an identity. In Teddy Roosevelt, Warhol prints the young Roosevelt in dark black ink. Roosevelt’s outfit dominates the image, not the man himself. His attire in sky blue and indigo, laced with yellow and red etchings. His round glasses, eyes, nose, mustache, and mouth are all sketched in a muted red and pink that are barely visible against the skin. Warhol includes specific details from the original image such as the embroidered U.S.V. initials (United States Volunteers) and the two crossing keys that give away Roosevelt’s position as Rough Rider.

The print appears to be in good condition with no visible fading, folds, tears, stains, or restoration. It has been examined out of the frame. The screenprint is attached on the back at the top corners and one middle top edge with Japanese rice paper hinges using wheat paste. There are 2 side support hinges because of the weight of the artwork. They also have keeper hinges at the bottom corners using hinges also made of rice paper and with wheat paste.