Superman
from Myths
Medium: Screenprint in colors on Lenox Museum Board with diamond dust
Year: 1981
Sheet: 38×38 inches (96.5 x 96.5 cm)
Edition: 200
Artist’s Proofs: 30 AP
Printer’s Proofs: 5 PP
Exhibitor’s Proofs: 5 EP
Hors Commerce: 12 HC
Trial Proofs: 30 TP in unique color combination, most with diamond dust
(see Feldman & Schellmann IIB.260)
Publisher: Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, New York
Printer: Rupert Jasen Smith, New-York
Literature: Feldman & Schellmann II.260
Each signed and numbered in pencil
With the artist’s and publisher’s copyright ink stamps on the reverse
On the reverse with the stamp: © D.C. COMICS, INC. 1981. THIS INTERPRETATION CREATED BY ANDY WARHOL IS DERIVED FROM AN ORIGINAL VERSION OF SUPERMAN COPYRIGHTED BY D.C. COMICS.
Superman is part of Myths
(Click on picture below to access the Catalogue Entry)
Superman first appeared in American comic books published by DC Comics in 1938. The comic books were tremendously popular and have been adapted to a number of other media including novels, films and television shows. Superman has come to be an internationally recognized symbol of goodness, heroism and strength.
This print captures the essence of Warhol’s style as Superman is rendered in bright colors with bold gestural lines being used to add detail to the print. Warhol takes the conventional image of Superman wearing a blue suit and red cape, however the artist duplicates the figure and superimposes another version of Superman, using a lighter outline of the same image, to give the impression that Superman is being captured in mid-flight. Instantly recognizable, Warhol’s powerful depiction of Superman invites viewers to reflect on the mythic qualities our society bestows on celebrities. As a young child, Warhol was sickly and frail, confined to his home for months while recovering from illness and anxiety from being teased at school. He read comic books to pass the time, finding comfort and escapism in the stories of Clark Kent, the man with the secret identity. Like many other children, Warhol imagined himself in the shoes of his comic book hero. In Warhol’s heroic, forceful representation of Superman, the image of sheer strength and gravitas is imbued with the media’s power to create identity and desire.
The character of Superman was created by the writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster in 1933, and sold to Detective Comics, Inc. in 1938 when it first appeared in print as a daily newspaper comic strip, which ran through May 1966. With the success of his adventures broadcast to the American public across radio serials, television programs, films, newspaper strips, and video games, Superman became the forefather of the superhero genre, helping to establish its primacy within the American comic-book culture. Superman returned to theaters in 1978 in the much-celebrated Superman starring Christopher Reeve, which generated three sequels: most recently, in 2013, the film Man of Steel premiered. Throughout the nearly 80 years in which he has graced our newspapers, comic books, television and film screens, Superman’s appearance has remained constant, thereby imbuing his distinctive identity with potent brand recognition: in addition to his ubiquitous blue costume and red cape, the resounding power of the stylized red-and-yellow S shield on his chest has assumed a symbolic gravitas, becoming a fully integrated part of our collective social consciousness as an inspiring icon of the triumph of good over evil.
Superman, 1981
Sotheby’s New-York: 12 May 2015
Estimated: USD 6,000,000 – 8,000,000
USD 14,362,000
(#6) Andy Warhol (sothebys.com)
ANDY WARHOL
Superman, 1981
Acrylic and silkscreen ink on canvas
60×60 inches (152.4 x 152.4 cm)
Signed and dated 1981 on the overlap
Depicted in the full dynamism of his famed power of super-human flight, Andy Warhol’s Superman propels across the canvas, his spectral outline at once doubling his graphic impact and enforcing his surging momentum. Here Warhol returns to the deeply affecting image doubling that he first explored in his Elvis paintings of the early 1960s, calling upon the mechanistic faculties of reproduction and duplication to confer upon his figures an elevated visual profundity. In total parity with the gun-wielding costumed Elvis, Superman here occupies a role entirely apart from his comic book narrative: he becomes one of Warhol’s stars, fully subsumed within the compendium of celebrity portraiture for which the artist is so revered.
Warhol’s interest in cartoon and comic characters is manifest from the very incipit of his career. In an early rendering of Superman from 1960, Warhol used an appropriated comic strip as the source for his painting in the manner of a Duchampian readymade. The present Superman is the mature incarnation of a cartoon image’s power as developed by Warhol. Unlike the artist’s earlier version, which shares a marked affinity with the comic-strip inspired 1960s paintings of his contemporary Roy Lichtenstein, this Superman composition is cropped so that Superman’s full form occupies the entire height of the canvas and the possibility of narrative, previously evoked through the addition of text, is banished in favor of a singular focus on the central image. Superman is continually fresh, unblemished by age, and un-burdened by the baggage of Western history. Thus, Superman stands symbolically with Warhol’s film beauties, Coca-Cola bottles, and dollar bills. Each of these commodities has been experienced and enjoyed by millions of individuals. As images and ideas, their consumption is pervasive in American culture, which fascinated Warhol.
In addition to being utilised as an emblem of America, Superman was furthermore a subject of the male homoerotic gaze. With his squared jaw and muscular physique, he was rendered a figure of male fantasy and a catalyst for adolescent sexual awakenings for many. Moreover, with his dual identity of Clark Kent, Superman presented a mirror to those homosexual American men during the 1940s and 50s who similarly were forced to live in secrecy, keeping their authentic identity hidden beneath the surface. Seemingly a subject of Warhol’s own desire and homoerotic fantasies, the present lot accentuates Superman’s conventionally handsome and well-groomed appearance, with sculpted muscles and perfectly slicked hair.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, 1966. Image: Album / Alamy Stock Photo
Central to Superman’s character is his alternate persona, Clark Kent—a seemingly average, shy, and reserved reporter concealed behind glasses. This duality juxtaposes the hypermasculine image, providing motivation for young boys who felt misunderstood or lacked confidence. Clark Kent presents the possibility of having their own alter-ego, mirroring Superman, to which they could aspire. This notion resonates with the traits of Andy Warhol, a notably private and shy figure who lived amidst a flamboyant lifestyle of parties and socializing. Perhaps Warhol thought of his own persona as an alter-ego in some way. His famous quote, “If you want to know all about Andy Warhol, just look at the surface,” wittily encourages others to focus on his public image rather than his inner self, which he was notoriously private about.
Auction Market Overview
Auction Summary
| 2025 | Sold 3 Times PP 2/5 AP 3/30 135/200 Average Price: USD 330,955 Auction Record Price: USD 444,500 @ Sotheby’s New-York on 22 October 2025 No Trial Proof sold at auction in 2025 |
| 2024 | Sold 3 Times 12/200 AP 2/30 37/200 Average Price: USD 236,007 Top Price: GBP 190,500 (USD 240,620) @ Phillips London on 17 January 2024 No Trial Proof sold at auction in 2024 |
| 2023 | Sold Twice 42/200 132/200 Average Price: USD 258,238 Top Price: GBP 226,800 (USD 275,175) @ Christie’s London on 27 September 2023 Superman (TP 26/30): GBP 508,000 (USD 618,910) @ Sotheby’s London on 13 October 2023 Superman (TP 19/30): GBP 317,500 (USD 386,205) @ Sotheby’s London on 26 September 2023 |
| 2022 | Sold 3 Times 23/200 112/200 93/200 Average Price: USD 268,800 Top Price: USD 277,200 @Christie’s New-York on 21 April 2022 and @ Sotheby’s New-York on 11 March 2022 |
| 2021 | No Sale at Auction in 2021 |
| 2020 | No Sale at Auction in 2020 |
Regular Editions
Roseberys London: 25 November 2025
Estimated: GBP 180,000 – 200,000
GBP 223,840 / USD 296,365
ANDY WARHOL (American 1928-1987)
Superman (F and S II.260), 1981
from Myths
Screenprint in colors with diamond dust on Lenox Museum board
Signed and numbered in pencil AP 3/30
An artist’s Proof aside from the edition of 200
Printed by Rupert Jasen Smith, New York
Published by Ronald Feldman Fine Arts Inc, New York
With their stamp to the reverse plus the DC Comics stamp
Sotheby’s New-York: 22 October 2025
Estimated: USD 200,000 – 300,000
USD 444,500
NEW AUCTION RECORD FOR SUPERMAN (REGULAR EDITION)
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Superman (Feldman & Shellmann II.260), 1981
from Myths
Screenprint in colors with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil and inscribed PP 2/5
One of five printer’s proofs aside from the numbered edition of 200 plus 30 artist’s proofs
With the blindstamp of the printer, Rupert Jasen Smith
Published by Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, Inc.
With their inkstamp on the verso
Christie’s online: 14 February 2025
Estimated: USD 180,000 – 220,000
USD 252,000
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Superman, from Myths (Feldman and Schellmann II.260), 1981
Screenprint in colors with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil, numbered 135/200 (there were also 30 artist’s proofs)
Christie’s New-York: 25 October 2024
Estimated: USD 180,000 – 220,000
USD 239,400
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Superman, from Myths (Feldman & Schellmann II.260), 1981
Screenprint in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil, numbered 12⁄200 (there were also 30 artist’s proofs)
Sotheby’s New-York: 22 October 2024
Estimated: USD 180,000 – 250,000
USD 228,000
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Superman, from Myths (Feldman & Schellmann II.260), 1981
Screenprint in colors with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board
Sheet: 38×38 inches (96.6 x 96.4 cm)
Signed in pencil and inscribed AP 2/30
One of 30 artist’s proofs aside from the numbered edition of 200
Phillips London: 17 January 2024
Estimated: GBP 150,000 – 200,000
GBP 190,500 / USD 240,621
ANDY WARHOL
Superman, from Myths (F. & S. 260), 1981
Screenprint in colors with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board
Signed and numbered 37/200 in pencil
Christie’s London: 27 September 2023
Estimated: GBP 150,000 – 250,000
GBP 226,800 / USD 275,175
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Superman, from: Myths, 1981
Screen-print in colors with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil, numbered 42/200 (there were also thirty artist’s proofs)
Phillips New-York: 20 April 2023
Estimated: USD 150,000 – 250,000
USD 241,300
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Superman, from Myths (F. & S. 260), 1981
Screen-print in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Signed and numbered 132/200 in pencil
Sotheby’s New-York: 28 October 2022
Estimated: USD 180,000 – 240,000
USD 252,000
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Superman, from Myths
Screen-print on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil and numbered 93/200
Christie’s New-York: 21 April 2022
Estimated: USD 200,000 – 300,000
USD 277,200
AUCTION RECORD FOR SUPERMAN
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Superman, from Myths, 1981
Screen-print in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil, numbered 23⁄200 (there were also 30 artist’s proofs)
Sotheby’s New-York: 11 March 2022
Estimated: USD 150,000 – 250,000
USD 277,200
AUCTION RECORD FOR SUPERMAN
ANDY WARHOL
Superman, from Myths (F&S II.260), 1981
Screen-print in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil Andy Warhol and numbered 112/200 (lower right)
Koller Zurich: 4 December 2019
Estimated: CHF 120,000 – 180,000
CHF 183,300 / USD 185,115
ANDY WARHOL (Pittsburgh 1928–1987 New York)
Superman, 1981
From the 10-part portfolio “Myths”
Color screenprint with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board
Edition: 8/200
Signed in pencil lower right: Andy Warhol
Christie’s New-York: 23 October 2019
Estimated: USD 150,000 – 200,000
USD 187,500
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Superman, from Myths, 1981
Screenprint in colors with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil, numbered 84/200
Christie’s New-York: 18 April 2019
Estimated: USD 150,000 – 200,000
USD 181,250
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Superman, from Myths, 1981
Screenprint in colors with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil, numbered ‘AP 27/30’
An artist’s proof, the edition was 200
Christie’s New-York: 25 October 2018
Estimated: USD 150,000 – 200,000
USD 200,000
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Superman, from Myths, 1981
Screenprint in colors with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil, numbered 87/200
Sotheby’s New-York: 18 October 2018
Estimated: USD 150,000 – 250,000
USD 237,500
ANDY WARHOL
Superman from the Myths portfolio (F. & S. II.260), 1981
Screenprint in colors with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil and inscribed ‘AP 18/30’
An artist’s proof aside from the numbered edition of 200
Freeman’s Hindman: 2 October 2018
Estimated: USD 150,000 – 250,000
USD 200,000
ANDY WARHOL (American, 1928-1987)
Superman, 1981
Color screenprint with diamond dust
Signed Andy Warhol and numbered 198/200 in pencil
LA Modern: 30 September 2018
Estimated: USD 120,000 – 180,000
USD 212,500
ANDY WARHOL
Superman (from Myths), 1981
Screenprint on Lenox Museum Board
Signed with edition in graphite lower right edge of sheet
Retains printer’s blind stamp lower left
Edition: #5 of 5 E.P. aside from the edition of 200
Mallet Japan: 17 May 2018
Estimated: JPY 10,000,000 – 15,000,000
JPY 18,500,000 (Hammer)
JPY 21,552,500 / USD 194,535
ANDY WARHOL
Superman (from Myths), 1981
Screenprint in colors with Diamond Dust
Signed and numbered 181/200
Trial Proofs
Superman (TP 26/30), 1985
Sotheby’s London: 13 October 2023
Estimated: GBP 400,000 – 600,000
GBP 508,000 / USD 618,908
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Superman, from Myths, 1981
Screen-print in a unique color combination with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil, inscribed and numbered TP 26/30 (lower left)
One of 30 unique trial proofs aside from the numbered edition of 200
Superman (TP 19/30), 1985
Sotheby’s London: 26 September 2023
Estimated: GBP 220,000 – 350,000
GBP 317,500 / USD 386,206
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Superman, from Myths, 1981
Screen-print in a unique color combination with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil, inscribed and numbered TP 19/30
One of 30 unique trial proofs aside from the numbered edition of 200
The present impression, a rare trial proof embellished with diamond dust aside from the regular edition, is one of only thirty impressions printed in a unique colorway. Distinct from the regular edition, the golden yellow background and bright primary colors of blue and red are infused with nostalgia and offer visual reminders of the golden age of comic books with a Warholian sparkle.
Superman (TP aside), 1985
Sotheby’s New-York: 27 April 2018
Estimated: USD 200,000 – 300,000
USD 250,000
TRIAL PROOF
REPEAT SALE
Christie’s New-York: 24 April 2014
Estimated: USD 150,000 – 200,000
USD 197,000
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL
Superman (F. & S. IIB.260), from the Myths portfolio, 1981
Screenprint in a unique color combination with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board
A trial proof aside from the numbered edition of 200 plus 30 artist’s proofs
With the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board, Inc. ‘Outside the Published Edition’ inkstamp
Inscribed ‘103.103’ in pencil on the verso
Superman (TP 22/30), 1985
Christie’s New-York: 30 April 2008
Estimated: USD 100,000 – 150,000
USD 133,000
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL
Superman, from Myths (see F. & S. IIB.260), 1981
Unique screenprint in colors with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil, numbered ‘TP 22/30’
A unique trial proof variant, the edition was 200 plus 30 artist’s proofs