Warhol’s goal was to create icons beyond mere representation, as he understood that in order to create an enduring image, he had to reduce and condense a person’s likeness to an instantly recognizable motif. His screen-printed portraits transcended the sitters’ biography and character, skirting the line of caricature to become more symbol than representation. Created in 1987, shortly before his death, Warhol’s quartet of portraits of Ludwig van Beethoven perfectly demonstrates the artist’s ability to manipulate and appropriate imagery to create a visual icon.
Introduction
For this set of screenprints, Andy Warhol took an already famous image of the German composer: an idealized and heroic portrait painted in 1820 by Joseph Karl Stieler (1781-1858), which has colored our view of Beethoven’s personality and appearance unlike any other. Long familiar through commercial overexposure, Stieler’s depiction of the composer’s leonine mane and impatient scowl are the visual tropes that Warhol emphasized through the use of color. The alternate hot and cool tones of the composer’s face and cravat emerging from darkness heighten the intensity of Beethoven’s fixed gaze – keeping our attention closely on his visage, whilst simultaneously echoing the dramatic changes in volume and pace that Beethoven was so well-known for. However, Warhol pushes Stieler’s visual identifiers of the composer one step further, beyond mere facial recognition.
Not content with simply using the tools of Beethoven’s trade, the manuscript and pen, to allude to the composer’s talent, Warhol instead marches the music directly across the portrait itself. In Stieler’s painting, Beethoven holds the score for his late Missa solemnis (1819-1824). Finished three years before the composer’s death and often considered one of his greatest works, the Missa solemnis was nonetheless surpassed in popularity by the music that Warhol chose to identify the composer with: his Piano Sonata No. 14 in C# Minor, better (and more romantically) known as the Moonlight Sonata.
Composed in 1801, the year that Beethoven first realized he was losing his hearing, the Moonlight Sonata took on a life beyond Beethoven’s intentions. Thought to have been inspired by the composer’s love for his 17-year-old pupil, the Countess Giulietta Guicciardi (although more likely to have been composed as a funeral hymn) the Moonlight Sonata received its nickname from Berlin critic, Ludwig Rellstab, who in 1832 described the famous first movement as like “a boat passing the wild scenery of Lake Lucerne in the moonlight”. Although it wasn’t known by this evocative moniker until shortly after the composer’s death, the sonata was hugely popular from the moment it was written, exasperating Beethoven, who remarked to fellow composer, Carl Czerny, “Surely I’ve written better things.” In choosing the Moonlight Sonata to best identify Beethoven, Warhol reveals his insistent concern with representing not the true likeness, intentions or character of his sitters, but the condensed, most recognizable elements of their legend. In his quadruple portrait, Beethoven the man has been effaced to a certain extent, underneath the notes of his most famous composition, under the myth of his own celebrity.
Beethoven, 1987
Beethoven
The complete set of four screenprints in colors
Medium: Screenprint in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Year: 1987
Sheet: 40×40 inches (101.6 x 101.6 cm)
Edition: 60
Artist’s Proofs: 15 AP
Printer’s Proofs: 10 PP
Other: 20 numbered in Roman numerals
Trial Proofs: 72 individual TP not in portfolios with unique color combination
(See Feldman & Schellmann IIB.390-393)
Printer: Rupert Jasen Smith, New-York
Publisher: Hermann Wünsche, Bonn
Literature: Feldman & Schellmann II.390-393
Each signed by the executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol, the publisher, the printer and numbered in pencil on the stamped Certificate of Authenticity on the reverse
1. Beethoven (F&S II.390)
2. Beethoven (F&S II.391)
3. Beethoven (F&S II.392)
4. Beethoven (F&S II.393)
2025 Auction Results
Beethoven, 1987
Lempertz Cologne: 4 December 2025
Estimated: EUR 200,000 – 300,000
EUR 277,200 / USD 321,385
COMPLETE SET
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (Feldman,Schellmann no.II.390-393), 1987
4 color screenprints on Lenox Museum Board
Stamped “CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY” verso
With handwritten authorization and numbering from the estate administrator, publisher, and printer
Proof 29/60 (+15 A.P. +10 P.P. +20)
CONDITION NOTE: Minor traces of age
Beethoven (F&S II.393), 1987
Lempertz Cologne: 4 December 2025
Estimated: EUR 70,000 – 80,000
EUR 88,200 / USD 102,260
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (Feldman, Schellmann no.II.393), 1987
Sheet 4 of the series of the same name
Color screenprint on Lenox Museum Board
Stamped “CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY” verso
With handwritten authorization from the state administrator, publisher and printer and numbered
Proof 2/60 (+15 A.P. +10 P.P. +20)
Edition Hermann Wünsche, Bonn
CONDITION NOTE: Minor traces of age
Beethoven (F&S II.393), 1987
Van Ham: 3 December 2025
Estimated: EUR 50,000 – 70,000
EUR 112,200 / USD 130,085
ANDY WARHOL (1928 Pittsburgh, PA/USA – 1987 New York)
Beethoven (Feldman/Schellmann no. II.393), 1987
Belongs to the four-part portfolio
Color silkscreen on Lenox museum card
Numbered 40/60
On the reverse certificate stamp with the handwritten numbering and signatures
Of the printer and the executor of the estate
Published by Hermann Wünsche, Bonn
Beethoven (F&S II.390), 1987
Sotheby’s New-York: 23 October 2025
Estimated: USD 60,000 – 80,000
USD 165,100
NEW AUCTION RECORD FOR BEETHOVEN
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Beethoven (Feldman & Schellmann II.390), 1987
Screenprint in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil by the Executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol, the publisher and the printer
Inscribed AP 6/15 on the stamped certificate of authenticity on the verso
This impression is one of 15 artist’s proofs aside from the numbered edition of 60
(there is also an edition of 20 in Roman numerals)
With the blindstamp of the printer, Rupert Jasen Smith
Published by Herman Wünsche
Beethoven (F&S II.390), 1987
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 103,200 / USD 140,350
Numbered 38/60 in pencil on the stamped Certificate of Authenticity on the reverse
(there was also an edition of 20 in Roman numerals and 15 artist’s proofs)
Beethoven (F&S II.392), 1987
Roseberys London: 25 June 2025
Estimated: GBP 75,000 – 100,000
GBP 91.240 / USD 124,635
ANDY WARHOL (American 1928-1987)
Beethoven (F. and S. 392), 1987
Screenprint in colours, on Lenox Museum board,
Signed in pencil on the reverse by the Executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol, Fred Hughes
The publisher Herman Wuensche, and the printer Rupert Jasen-Smith
Numbered 37/60 on the stamped certificate on the reverse
2024 Auction Results
Beethoven (F&S II.392), 1987
Ketterer Kunst Munich: 7 June 2024
Estimated: EUR 50,000 – 70,000
EUR 95,250 / USD 103,823
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (F&S II.392), 1987
Silkscreen in colors on firm cardboard
With the stamped certificate of the Andy Warhol Estate on the reverse
There numbered by a hand other than that of the artist and signed by printer, publisher and estate administrator
One of 15 artist’s proofs aside from the edition
2023 Auction Results
#1. Beethoven (TP 7/72), 1987
Sotheby’s New-York: 24 October 2023
Estimated: USD 70,000 – 100,000
USD 127,100
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Beethoven (see F. & S. IIB.390-393), 1987
Screenprint in a unique color combination on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil by the Executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol, the publisher and the printer
Inscribed TP 7/72 on the stamped certificate of authenticity on the verso
And with the Andy Warhol Foundation inkstamp
One of 72 unique trial proofs aside from the numbered edition of 60 plus 15 artist’s proofs
#2. Beethoven (F&S II.392), 1987
Phillips London: 22 September 2023
Estimated: GBP 50,000 – 70,000
GBP 101,600 / USD 124,895
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (F. & S. 392), 1987
Screen-print in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Signed by the executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol, the publisher, the printer
Numbered 38/60 in pencil on the stamped Certificate of Authenticity on the reverse
#3. Beethoven (F&S II.393), 1987
Karl and Faber: 30 June 2023
Estimated: EUR 80.000 – 100,000
EUR 113,030 / USD 123,408
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (F. & S. 393), 1987
Screen-print in colors on Lenox Museum Board
A numbered copy from the edition of 60
Signed by the executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol Frederick Hughes, the publisher Hermann Wunsche and the printer Rupert Jasen Smith on a label on the reverse
USD 100,000
#4. Beethoven (F.S.II.393), 1987
Heffel online: 26 October 2023
Estimated: CAD 40,000 – 60,000
CAD 109,250 / USD 79,520
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Beethoven (F.S.II.393), 1987
Screenprint on Lenox Museum Board
On verso signed by Fred Hughes, the executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol and Rupert Jasen Smith
Titled on the certificate of authenticity stamp
Editioned AP 6/15 and stamped with printer’s blindstamp
#5. Beethoven (F&S II.391), 1987
Ketterer Kunst Munich: 8 December 2023
Estimated: EUR 40,000 – 42,000
EUR 63,500 / USD 66,675
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven, 1987
Silkscreen in colors on thin cardboard
With the Certificate Stamp of the Andy Warhol Estate on Reverse
Numbered from the edition of 60
2022 Auction Results
Beethoven, 1987
Sotheby’s New-York: 27 October 2022
Estimated: USD 250,000 – 450,000
USD 541,800
COMPLETE SET
AUCTION RECORD FOR A COMPLETE SET OF BEETHOVEN
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven
The complete set of four screen-prints in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Each signed in pencil by the Executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol, the publisher and the printer Numbered 11/60 on the stamped certificate of authenticity on the verso
Beethoven (TP 19/72), 1987
Van Ham: 30 November 2022
Estimated: EUR 70,000 – 90,000
EUR 132,000 / USD 136,242
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Beethoven, 1987
Screenprint on Lenox Museum cardboard
Signed in pencil by the Executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol, the publisher and the printer
Inscribed TP 19/72 on the stamped certificate of authenticity on the verso
Beethoven (F&S II.390)
Sotheby’s New-York: 23 October 2025
Estimated: USD 60,000 – 80,000
USD 165,100
NEW AUCTION RECORD FOR BEETHOVEN
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Beethoven (Feldman & Schellmann II.390), 1987
Screenprint in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil by the Executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol, the publisher and the printer
Inscribed AP 6/15 on the stamped certificate of authenticity on the verso
This impression is one of 15 artist’s proofs aside from the numbered edition of 60
(there is also an edition of 20 in Roman numerals)
With the blindstamp of the printer, Rupert Jasen Smith
Published by Herman Wünsche
Estimated: GBP 40,000 – 60,000
GBP 103,200 / USD 140,350
Numbered 38/60 in pencil on the stamped Certificate of Authenticity on the reverse
(there was also an edition of 20 in Roman numerals and 15 artist’s proofs)
Sotheby’s New-York: 30 April 2019
Estimated: USD 50,000 – 70,000
USD 93,750
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
BEETHOVEN (SEE F. & S. II.390), 1987
Screen-print in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil on the verso by the printer, Rupert Jasen Smith
Dated ‘1/25/1987’ and inscribed ‘Master Printer’ and ‘BAT 1/1’
A bon a tirer proof aside from the numbered edition of 60 plus 15 artist’s proofs
Beethoven (F&S II.391)
Ketterer Kunst Munich: 8 December 2023
Estimated: EUR 40,000 – 42,000
EUR 63,500 / USD 66,675
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven, 1987
Silkscreen in colors on thin cardboard
With the Certificate Stamp of the Andy Warhol Estate on Reverse
Numbered from the edition of 60
Beethoven (F&S II.392)
Roseberys London: 25 June 2025
Estimated: GBP 75,000 – 100,000
GBP 91.240 / USD 124,635
ANDY WARHOL (American 1928-1987)
Beethoven (F. and S. 392), 1987
Screenprint in colours, on Lenox Museum board,
Signed in pencil on the reverse by the Executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol, Fred Hughes
The publisher Herman Wuensche, and the printer Rupert Jasen-Smith
Numbered 37/60 on the stamped certificate on the reverse
Ketterer Kunst Munich: 7 June 2024
Estimated: EUR 50,000 – 70,000
EUR 95,250 / USD 103,823
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (F&S II.392), 1987
Silkscreen in colors on firm cardboard
With the stamped certificate of the Andy Warhol Estate on the reverse
There numbered by a hand other than that of the artist and signed by printer, publisher and estate administrator
One of 15 artist’s proofs aside from the edition
Phillips London: 22 September 2023
Estimated: GBP 50,000 – 70,000
GBP 101,600 / USD 124,895
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (F. & S. 392), 1987
Screen-print in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Signed by the executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol, the publisher, the printer
Numbered 38/60 in pencil on the stamped Certificate of Authenticity on the reverse
Beethoven (F&S II.393)
Lempertz Cologne: 4 December 2025
Estimated: EUR 70,000 – 80,000
EUR 88,200 / USD 102,260
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (Feldman, Schellmann no.II.393), 1987
Sheet 4 of the series of the same name
Color screenprint on Lenox Museum Board
Stamped “CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY” verso
With handwritten authorization from the state administrator, publisher and printer and numbered
Proof 2/60 (+15 A.P. +10 P.P. +20)
Edition Hermann Wünsche, Bonn
CONDITION NOTE: Minor traces of age
Van Ham: 3 December 2025
Estimated: EUR 50,000 – 70,000
EUR 112,200 / USD 130,085
ANDY WARHOL (1928 Pittsburgh, PA/USA – 1987 New York)
Beethoven (Feldman/Schellmann no. II.393), 1987
Belongs to the four-part portfolio
Color silkscreen on Lenox museum card
Numbered 40/60
On the reverse certificate stamp with the handwritten numbering and signatures
Of the printer and the executor of the estate
Published by Hermann Wünsche, Bonn
Heffel online: 26 October 2023
Estimated: CAD 40,000 – 60,000
CAD 109,250 / USD 79,520
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Beethoven (F.S.II.393), 1987
Screenprint on Lenox Museum Board
On verso signed by Fred Hughes, the executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol and Rupert Jasen Smith
Titled on the certificate of authenticity stamp
Editioned AP 6/15 and stamped with printer’s blindstamp
Karl and Faber: 30 June 2023
Estimated: EUR 80.000 – 100,000
EUR 113,030 / USD 123,408
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (F. & S. 393), 1987
Screen-print in colors on Lenox Museum Board
A numbered copy from the edition of 60
Signed by the executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol Frederick Hughes, the publisher Hermann Wunsche and the printer Rupert Jasen Smith on a label on the reverse
Wright Chicago: 1 October 2020
Estimated: USD 40,000 – 60,000
USD 87,500
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven, 1987
Screen-print in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Stamped and signed by the executor of the estate to verso
Beethoven. Print Number: AP 11/15
Beethoven (Trial Proofs)
Beethoven (TP 7/72), 1987
Sotheby’s New-York: 24 October 2023
Estimated: USD 70,000 – 100,000
USD 127,100
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Beethoven (see F. & S. IIB.390-393), 1987
Screenprint in a unique color combination on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil by the Executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol, the publisher and the printer
Inscribed TP 7/72 on the stamped certificate of authenticity on the verso
And with the Andy Warhol Foundation inkstamp
One of 72 unique trial proofs aside from the numbered edition of 60 plus 15 artist’s proofs
Beethoven (TP 19/72), 1987
Van Ham: 30 November 2022
Estimated: EUR 70,000 – 90,000
EUR 132,000 / USD 136,242
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Beethoven, 1987
Screenprint on Lenox Museum cardboard
Signed in pencil by the Executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol, the publisher and the printer
Inscribed TP 19/72 on the stamped certificate of authenticity on the verso
Beethoven (TP 61/72), 1987
Van Ham: 27 November 2019
Estimated: EUR 50,000
EUR 83,850 / USD 92,250
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Beethoven, 1987
Screenprint on Lenox Museum cardboard
Signed in pencil by the Executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol, the publisher and the printer
Inscribed TP 61/72 on the stamped certificate of authenticity on the verso
Beethoven (TP 51/72), 1987
Phillips London: 24 January 2019
Estimated: GBP 50,000 – 70,000
GBP 68,750 / USD 89,580
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven, 1987
Unique screen-print in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Signed by Frederick W. Hughes (Executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol)
Numbered ‘TP 51/72’ in pencil on the stamped Certificate of Authenticity on the reverse
A trial proof in a unique color combination, the edition was 60 and 15 artist’s proofs
Beethoven (TP /72), 1987
Ketterer Kunst: 9 June 2018
Estimated: EUR 50,000
EUR 110,000 / USD 115,500
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven, 1987
Silkscreen in colors
Certificate Stamp of Andy Warhol Estate
One of 72 trial proofs in a unique color combination
Beethoven (TP 1/72), 1987
Grisebach Berlin: 21 May 2013
Estimated: EUR 35,000 – 45,000
EUR 61,000 / USD 79,185
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (see F. & S. IIB.390-393), 1987
Unique screenprint in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Numbered ‘TP 1/72’, a unique color variant apart from the edition of 60 plus 15 artist proofs
Beethoven (TP 18/72), 1987
Christie’s New-York: 29 October 2008
Estimated: USD 40,000 – 60,000
USD 50,000
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (see F. & S. IIB.390-393), 1987
Unique screenprint in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Numbered ‘TP 18/72’, a unique color variant apart from the edition of 60 plus 15 artist proofs
Beethoven (TP 38/72), 1987
Sotheby’s London: 1 April 2008
Estimated: GBP 20,000 – 30,000
GBP 38,900 / USD 77,225
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (F. & S. IIB. 390), 1987
Screenprint in a unique combination of colors
Signed by the executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol in pencil verso
With their authentication stamp, inscribed and numbered TP 38/72
One of 72 trial proofs aside from the edition of 60
Beethoven (TP 69/72), 1987
Christie’s London: 18 December 2001
Estimated: GBP 6,000 – 8,000
GBP 8,225 / USD 11,980
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (cf. F. & S. B390-393), 1987
Screenprint in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil on the reverse by the Executor of the Andy Warhol Estate, with their authentication stamp
Inscribed and numbered ‘TP 69/72’
One of the 72 unique color variants aside from the edition of 60
Beethoven (TP 72/72), 1987
Christie’s London: 18 December 2001
Estimated: GBP 6,000 – 8,000
GBP 8,225 / USD 11,980
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (cf. F. & S. B390-393), 1987
Screenprint in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil on the reverse by the Executor of the Andy Warhol Estate, with their authentication stamp
Inscribed and numbered ‘TP 72/72’
One of the 72 unique color variants aside from the edition of 60
Beethoven (TP 71/72), 1987
Christie’s London: 3 July 2001
Estimated: GBP 6,000 – 8,000
GBP 8,812 / USD 12,410
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (cf. F. & S. B390-393), 1987
Screenprint in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil on the reverse by the Executor of the Andy Warhol Estate, with their authentication stamp
Inscribed and numbered ‘TP 71/72’
One of the 72 unique color variants aside from the edition of 60
Beethoven (TP 68/72), 1987
Christie’s London: 3 July 2001
Estimated: GBP 6,000 – 8,000
GBP 12,925 / USD 18,200
TRIAL PROOF
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (cf. F. & S. B390-393), 1987
Screenprint in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Signed in pencil on the reverse by the Executor of the Andy Warhol Estate, with their authentication stamp
Inscribed and numbered ‘TP 68/72’
One of the 72 unique color variants aside from the edition of 60
Complete Sets
Lempertz Cologne: 4 December 2025
Estimated: EUR 200,000 – 300,000
EUR 277,200 / USD 321,385
COMPLETE SET
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven (Feldman,Schellmann no.II.390-393), 1987
4 color screenprints on Lenox Museum Board
Stamped “CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY” verso
With handwritten authorization and numbering from the estate administrator, publisher, and printer
Proof 29/60 (+15 A.P. +10 P.P. +20)
CONDITION NOTE: Minor traces of age
Sotheby’s New-York: 27 October 2022
Estimated: USD 250,000 – 450,000
USD 541,800
COMPLETE SET
AUCTION RECORD FOR A COMPLETE SET OF BEETHOVEN
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven
The complete set of four screen-prints in colors on Lenox Museum Board
Each signed in pencil by the Executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol, the publisher and the printer Numbered 11/60 on the stamped certificate of authenticity on the verso
Phillips London: 10 September 2020
Estimated: GBP 200,000 – 300,000
GBP 312,500 / USD 400,220
COMPLETE SET
ANDY WARHOL
Beethoven, 1987
The complete set of four screen-prints in colors
Each signed by the executor of the Estate of Andy Warhol, the publisher, the printer
Each numbered 26/60 in pencil on the stamped Certificate of Authenticity on the reverse
Sotheby’s London: 19 March 2020
Estimated: GBP 200,000 – 300,000
GBP 275,000 / USD 319,435
COMPLETE SET
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
BEETHOVEN (F. & S. II.390-393), 1987
The complete set comprising four screen-prints in colors
Each signed in pencil by the Executor of the Andy Warhol Estate, the publisher and the printer verso
Numbered 51/60 (the total edition includes 15 artist’s proofs)