The Blackglama 351 Trial Proof is a unique version of Andy Warhol’s Blackglama print from his Ads Complete Portfolio, published in 1985. The work depicts famous actress Judy Garland in a red coat against a yellow background, contrasting with her dark hair.
Warhol was inspired by Judy Garland’s advertising campaign for Blackglama Fur company and their ubiquitous tagline “What becomes a Legend most?” Many legends of style and pop culture have modeled for the company over the years, including Diana Ross, Bridget Bardot, Lauren Bacall, Julie Andrews, Ray Charles and Marlene Dietrich. Known for her starring role in the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, Judy Garland was described by Fred Astaire as “the greatest entertainer who ever lived.” She also had major roles in movies like Meet Me in St. Louis (1945) and had a brief marriage to American director Vincente Minnelli.
BLACKGLAMA (JUDY GARLAND) 351 BY ANDY WARHOL AS PART OF HIS LARGER BODY OF WORK
Warhol began his career as a commercial illustrator in the 1950s. Warhol’s fascination with the commercial world continued throughout his career as an artist. As a result, he created the Ads portfolio based on popular advertising campaigns and logos in contemporary American culture. These advertisements were not simply a means to sell products, but had become an integral part of American culture. Warhol included the Paramount, Apple and Mobilgas logos in the Ads series, as well as advertisements that featured well known celebrities, such as Ronald Reagan for Van Heusen apparel.
