As a series Warhol began early in his career, his Cow wallpapers serve as a preliminary declaration of the artist’s creative ethos: a subversion of the historical canon and an embrace of commercial art forms by rendering repetitive imagery in unnaturally vibrant hues.
Introduction
Warhol recalled the impetus for these prints, starting with a flippant conversation with art dealer Ivan Karp: “Another time he said, ‘why don’t you paint some cows, they’re so wonderfully pastoral and such a durable image in the history of the arts.”
[Left] Hugh R. Hopgood, Cattle, A.D. 1914–1916; original ca. 1427–1400 B.C., tempera on paper. Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rogers Fund, 1930, 30.4.70. [Right] Jacob van Strij, Landscape with Cattle, ca. 1800, oi on wood. Metropolitan Museum of Art, Marquand Collection, Gift of Henry G. Marquand, 1890, 91.26.8
Of course, under Warhol’s command, the once-quaint cow becomes anything but pastoral, adding a new, Pop layer to the subject’s artistic lineage. Like so many of Warhol’s most striking images, the Cow wallpapers began with Warhol and his associates mining magazines for subjects, here trading his clippings of celebrities for the humble Jersey cow. Factory assistant Gerard Malanga found the wallpapers’ source image in an agricultural magazine, in which the chosen cow is described to “possess quality and refinement,” sophisticated traits that could just as easily be applied to the household names that typically served as Warholian subjects. By removing the context of a bucolic nineteenth century field or the grounds of a county fair, Warhol elevates the simple genre painting subject of the cow, giving the animal star power through the same treatment he exercised in his portraiture of Marilyn Monroe or Chairman Mao: cropped to be seen from the neck up and overlaid with the most vivacious of colors.
Soon, spurred by Karp’s enthusiasm for the Cow, Warhol debuted the image at his 1966 exhibition at Leo Castelli Gallery in New York. The artist covered an entire room of the gallery in large-scale, floor-to-ceiling wallpaper featuring the first iteration of Cow in shocking shade of neon pink and yellow. The nature of the wallpaper was a natural extension of his fascination with the repeated image in his paintings; the kitschy decorativeness transcended traditional avenues of printmaking and added an immersive element to the installation.
In 1967, Warhol quipped to Mademoiselle magazine regarding his attraction to wallpaper as a medium: “I hate to see things on walls. Doing the whole room is OK, though.” Throughout his career, Warhol revisited the Cow wallpaper for later exhibitions, including the present print in a brown and blue scheme, which was published for Warhol’s 1971 retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Two other color variants – yellow and blue, and pink and purple– were produced, with the pink-purple iteration being published for a 1976-77 exhibition at the Seattle Center’s Modern Art Pavilion.
The whimsical series came to fruition under the guidance of Pop art dealer Ivan Karp and printmaker Gerard Malanga. This series is one of the first edition print series Andy Warhol created. In 1966, he deliberately took a stand against traditional painting, boldly claiming painting was “dead” and that he was at the forefront of creating a new art form. He entered into printmaking by establishing his company, Factory Additions. The project commenced when Karp told Warhol “Why don’t you paint some cows, they’re so wonderfully pastoral and such a durable image in the history of the arts.”
Printer Gerard Malanga subsequently chose the photograph which was then given to Warhol. The resulting screen-prints were of vividly colored images of cows against equally dramatic backgrounds. Interestingly, all the screen-prints were printed on wallpaper, lending them a decorative quality.
The four screen-prints from this series transcended expectations of printmaking and artistic practice. They were created from 1966 – 1976.
1. COW 1966 (F&S II.11)
The first of the series, Cow, 1966, was published as a wallpaper for an exhibition at the Leo Castelli Gallery. The repeated imagery of cows on the wall surrounded visitors with Warhol’s unique vision through mass imagery and commercial production. 100 were stamped-signed from an unlimited, unnumbered edition.
2. COW 1971 (F&S II.11A)
The second screen-print of the series features an orange cow against a lilac background. It was published for a Warhol exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York (May 1 – June 13, 1971). Approximately 100 copies were signed by Warhol.
3. COW 1971 (F&S II.12)
The third screen-print from the series shows a cow that is colored in bright yellow against a blue background. Only 150 copies of this work have been hand-signed, however the unsigned versions are still valuable because they have been authenticated by the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board.
4. COW 1976 (F&S II.12A)
The last screenprint of the series shows a cow in light pink against a purple background. This work was published for a Warhol exhibition at the Modern Art Pavilion in Seattle, Washington (November 1976 – January 1977).
COW 1966 (F&S II.11)
COW 1966
Medium: Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Year: 1966
Sheet: 45 3/4 x 30 1/8 inches (116.2 x 76.5 cm)
Edition: unlimited edition
Signature: 100 were stamp signed
Printer: Bill Miller’s Wallpaper Studio, Inc.
Publisher: The Artist, New-York for an exhibition at Leo Castelli Gallery, New York
Literature: Feldman & Schellmann II.11
Auction Results
Forum Auctions: 10 December 2025
Estimated: GBP 5,000 – 7,000
GBP 5,500 (Hammer)
GBP 7,276 / USD 9,730
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Cow (Feldman and Schellmann II.11), 1971
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Published by the Museum of Modern Art, New York
For the exhibition ‘Andy Warhol 1989 Retrospective’ at The Museum of Modern Art, New York, 1989
Phillips London: 5 June 2025
Estimated: GBP 8,000 – 12,000
GBP 13,970 / USD 18,860
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
From the unlimited edition (100 were stamp-signed and numbered)
With the Estate of Andy Warhol and the Visual Arts Foundation inkstamps
Initialed ‘SF’ and annotated ‘0225 AWF.38’ in pencil on the reverse
Dorotheum: 4 December 2024
Estimated: EUR 5,000 – 7,000
EUR 6,500 / USD 6,830
ANDY WARHOL (Pittsburgh 1928–1987 New York)
Cow (Feldman/Schellmann/Defendi II.11), 1966
Screenprint in colors on paper
Signed Andy Warhol in the screen, from an unknown edition
Probably a print alongside the edition listed in the catalog raisonné
Koller Zurich: 20 June 2024
Estimated: CHF 4,500 – 6,500
CHF 8,750 / USD 9,756
ANDY WARHOL (Pittsburgh 1928–1987 New York)
Cow (F&S II.11), 1966
Color screenprint on wove paper (not on wallpaper)
From the edition of unknown size
There were 100 copies with a rubber signature stamp and numbered verso)
With the printed signature at the left margin: Andy Warhol
Sotheby’s New-York: 19 April 2024
Estimated: USD 4,000 – 6,000
USD 22,860
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Cow (Feldman & Schellmann II.11), 1966
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
This impression is from the edition of unknown size
Rago: 14 February 2024
Estimated: USD 6,000 – 8,000
USD 13,860
ANDY WARHOL (1928–1987)
Cow (Feldman/Schellmann II.11), 1971
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Signed and dated to lower right ‘Andy Warhol ’71’
This work is from the unlimited edition printed by Bill Miller’s Wallpaper Studio, Inc., New York
Sotheby’s London: 26 September 2023
Estimated: GBP 6,000 – 8,000
GBP 12,065
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Cow, 1966
Screen-print in colors on wove paper
This impression is from the unsigned edition of unknown size
Phillips London: 22 September 2023
Estimated: GBP 5,000 – 7,000
GBP 10,160
ANDY WARHOL
Cow (F. & S. 11), 1966
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Unsigned, from the unlimited edition (100 were stamp-signed)
Sotheby’s London: 15 March 2023
Estimated: GBP 6,000 – 8,000
GBP 12,700
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Cow (F. & S. II.11), 1966
Screen-print in colors on wove paper
From the edition of unknown size
Sotheby’s London: 10 November 2022
Estimated: GBP 6,000 – 8,000
GBP 23,940
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Cow (Feldman & Schellmann II.11), 1966
Screen-print in colors on wallpaper
From the edition of unknown size
Phillips New-York: 22 April 2021
Estimated: USD 2,500 – 3,500
USD 11,340
ANDY WARHOL
Cow (F. & S. 11), 1966
Screen-print in colors on wallpaper
From the unlimited edition (100 were stamp signed)
COW 1971 (F&S II.11A)
COW 1971
Medium: Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Year: 1971
Sheet: 45 5/8 x 29 1/4 inches (116 x 74.3 cm)
Edition: Unlimited edition
Signature: Approximately 100 signed in felt pen in 1979
Publisher: Factory Editions, New York
Literature: Feldman & Schellmann II.11A
Auction Results
1. COW 1971 (signed)
Heritage Auctions: 16 October 2025
Estimated: USD 8,000 – 12,000
USD 32,500
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Cow (Feldman & Schellmann, II.11A), 1971
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Approximately 100 signed with felt pen
Signed in ink lower right
Estimated: USD 6,000 – 8,000
USD 11,430
From the unlimited edition printed by Bill Miller’s Wallpaper Studio, Inc., New York
Published by Factory Additions, New York
Christie’s New-York: 16 April 2025
Estimated: USD 12,000 – 18,000
USD 25,200
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Cow (Feldman & Schellman II.11A), 1971
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Signed and dated ’83’ in felt-tip pen
From the edition of approximately 100 signed impressions
Phillips New-York: 16 April 2024
Estimated: USD 12,000 – 18,000
USD 30,480
ANDY WARHOL
Cow (F. & S. 11A), 1971
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Signed and dated ’79’ in black ink (slightly faded)
From the unlimited edition (approximately 100 were signed in 1979)
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 20,000
USD 19,200
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Signed in felt-tip pen and dedicated ‘to Adriana with Love’ (faded)
One of approximately 100 impressions signed in 1979
Christie’s New-York: 8 March 2022
Estimated: USD 12,000 – 18,000
USD 37,800
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Cow (Feldman & Schellmann II.11A), 1971
Screen-print in colors on wallpaper
Signed in felt pen and dedicated to ‘To Henry Weldon’ from the edition of an unknown size
2. COW 1971 (unsigned)
Estimated: USD 8,000 – 12,000
USD 8,255
From the unlimited edition printed by Bill Miller’s Wallpaper Studio, Inc., New York
Phillips London: 5 June 2025
Estimated: GBP 8,000 – 12,000
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
With the Estate of Andy Warhol and the Visual Arts Foundation inkstamps
Initialed ‘T.J.H.’ by Timothy J. Hunt of the Andy Warhol Foundation in pencil on the reverse
Doyle New-York: 1 May 2025
Estimated: USD 6,000 – 8,000
USD 8,320
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
COW (FELDMAN/SCHELLMANN 11.11A), 1971
Color screenprint on wallpaper
Sotheby’s New-York: 28 February 2025
Estimated: USD 5,000 – 7,000
USD 6,985
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Cow (Feldman & Schellmann II.12A), 1976
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
From the unlimited edition, published by Factory Additions
Heritage Auctions: 10 December 2024
Estimated: USD 8,000 – 10,000
USD 11,250
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Cow (Feldman & Schellmann, II.11A), 1971
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Edition of unknown size
Stamped by the Estate of Andy Warhol and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. verso lower right
Estimated: USD 6,000 – 8,000
USD 8,960
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
From the unknown edition size (aside from approximately 100 signed impressions)
Swann Galleries: 26 November 2024
Estimated: USD 4,000 – 6,000
USD 10,625
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Cow (Feldman-Schellmann II.11A), 1971
Color screenprint on wallpaper
Estimated: USD 4,000 – 6,000
USD 13,970
ANDY WARHOL
Cow (F. & S. 11A), 1971
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
From the unlimited edition (approximately 100 were signed in 1979)
Estimated: USD 8,000 – 12,000
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Initialed in felt pen, dated ’73’ and inscribed ‘To Chris with love’
There were approximately 100 signed in felt pen
Bonhams LA: 26 March 2024
Estimated: USD 8,000 – 10,000
USD 10,240
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper from the unknown edition size
Aside from approximately 100 signed impressions
Doyle New-York: 1 November 2023
Estimated: USD 6,000 – 8,000
USD 10,080
ANDY WARHOL
Cow (F&S 11.11A), 1971
Color screenprint on wallpaper
Printed by Bill Miller’s Wallpaper Studio, Inc.
Phillips London: 15 June 2021
Estimated: GBP 3,000 – 5,000
GBP 9,450
ANDY WARHOL
Cow (F. & S. 11A), 1971
Screen-print in colors on wallpaper
From the unlimited edition (approximately 100 were signed in 1979)
COW 1971 (F&S II.12)
COW 1971
Medium: Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Year: 1971
Sheet: 45 5/8 x 29 1/2 inches (115.9 x 74.9 cm)
Edition: Unlimited edition
Signature: 150 signed, numbered and dated in ball-point pen on verso
Printer: Bill Miller’s Wallpaper Studio, Inc.
Publisher: Factory Additions, New York
Literature: Feldman & Schellmann II.12
Auction Results
Estimated: GBP 8,000 – 12,000
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
With the Estate of Andy Warhol and the Visual Arts Foundation inkstamps
Initialed ‘V.F.’ by Vincent Fremont of the Andy Warhol Foundation
Annotated ‘0385 AWF.17’ in pencil on the reverse
Christie’s online: 17 July 2025
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 20,000
USD 15,120
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Cow (Feldman & Schellmann II.12), 1971
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Signed and dated ‘73’ in ball-point pen on the reverse
Numbered 107/150
Phillips New-York: 16 April 2025
Estimated: USD 20,000 – 40,000
USD 33,020
ANDY WARHOL
Cow (F. & S. 12), 1971
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Signed, dated ’73’ and numbered 116/150 in blue ink on the reverse
(there was also an unsigned edition of an unknown size)
Sotheby’s New-York: 15 December 2023
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 25,000
USD 25,400
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Cow, 1973
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Signed in ball-point pen, dated 73 and numbered 53/150 (on the verso)
This impression is number 53 from the edition of 150 signed impressions
(there is an unsigned edition of unknown size)
Sotheby’s New-York: 16 March 2022
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 35,280
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Cow (Feldman & Schellmann II.12), 1971
Screen-print in colors on wallpaper
Signed in ball-point pen Andy Warhol, dated 73, and numbered 15/150 (on the verso)
Phillips New-York: 22 April 2021
Estimated: USD 12,000 – 18,000
USD 30,240
ANDY WARHOL
Cow (F. & S. 12), 1971
Screen-print in colors on wallpaper
Signed, dated ’73’, and numbered 106/150 in blue ball-point pen on the reverse
(there was also an unsigned edition of unknown size)
COW 1976 (F&S II.12A)
COW 1976
Medium: Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Year: 1976
Sheet: 45 1/4 x 27 1/2 inches (114.9 x 69.9 cm)
Edition: Unlimited edition
Signature: Approximately 100 signed in felt pen in 1979
Publisher: Factory Additions, New York
Literature: Feldman & Schellmann II.12A
Auction Results
1. COW 1976 (signed)
SBI Art Auction: 12 September 2025
Estimated: JPY 700,000 – 1,300,000
JPY 2,415,000 / USD 16,400
ANDY WARHOL
COW (F. & S. Ⅱ.12A), 1976
Screenprint
Printed by Bill Miller’s Wallpaper Studio, Inc., New York
LA Modern: 3 September 2025
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 20,000
USD 22,440
Signed to lower right ‘Andy Warhol’
This work is from the unlimited edition with approximately 100 signed in felt pen
Wright: 28 May 2025
Estimated: USD 15,000 – 20,000
USD 16,510
ANDY WARHOL (1928–1987)
Cow (Feldman/Schellmann II.12A), 1977
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Signed and inscribed to lower right ‘Andy Warhol’
This work is from the unlimited edition with approximatley 100 signed in felt
Christie’s New-York: 16 April 2025
Estimated: USD 12,000 – 18,000
USD 30,240
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Cow (Feldman & Schellmann II.12A), 1976
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Signed in felt-tip pen
From the edition of approximately 100 signed impressions
Phillips London: 23 January 2025
Estimated: GBP 12,000 – 18,000
GBP 20,320 / USD 25,095
ANDY WARHOL
Cow (F. & S. 12A), 1976
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Signed in black ink (Feldman and Schellmann call for approximately 100 signed)
Estimated: USD 1,800 – 2,200
USD 20,480
Color screenprint on wallpaper
Dedicated and signed ‘…Andy Warhol 1979’ in felt pen along the lower edge
(there were approximately 100 signed in felt pen)
Phillips New-York: 22 October 2024
Estimated: USD 20,000 – 30,000
USD 31,750
ANDY WARHOL
Cow (F. & S. 12A), 1976
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Sheet: 44 3/4 x 29 3/8 inches (113.7 x 74.6 cm)
Signed in black ink (one of approximately 100 signed)
Sotheby’s New-York: 22 October 2024
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
USD 21,600
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Cow (Feldman & Schellmann II.12A), 1976
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Sheet: 46×28 inches (117×71 cm)
Signed in felt-tip pen, dated and inscribed To John and Annie Denner
This impression is from the edition of 100 impressions signed in 1979 (total edition was unlimited)
Estimated: USD 10,000 – 15,000
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Signed in felt pen and inscribed ‘To Paul’ (there were approximately 100 signed in felt pen)
Rago: 14 February 2024
Estimated: USD 25,000 – 35,000
USD 25,200
ANDY WARHOL (1928–1987)
Cow (Feldman/Schellmann II.12A), 1976
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
Signed and inscribed to lower edge ‘to Ann / Wayne Andy Warhol’
This work is from the unlimited edition printed by Bill Miller’s Wallpaper Studio, Inc., New York
Phillips New-York: 20 April 2023
Estimated: USD 12,000 – 18,000
USD 69,850
ANDY WARHOL
Cow (F. & S. 12A), 1976
Screen-print in colors on wallpaper
Signed in black marker and with the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board inkstamp
Annotated ‘A140.111’ in pencil on the reverse (one of approximately 100 signed)
Accompanied by a signed authentication letter issued by the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board
Phillips New-York: 15 February 2023
Estimated: USD 12,000 – 18,000
USD 37,800
ANDY WARHOL
Cow (F. & S. 12A), 1976
Screen-print in colors on wallpaper
Signed, dated ‘1978’ and dedicated to ‘lee georgeou’ in black marker
(one of approximately 100 signed)
2. COW 1976 (unsigned)
Estimated: GBP 8,000 – 12,000
With the Estate of Andy Warhol and the Visual Arts Foundation inkstamps
Initialed ‘T.J.H.’ by Timothy J. Hunt of the Andy Warhol Foundation
Annotated ‘0615 AWF.188’ in pencil on the reverse
LA Modern: 13 May 2025
Estimated: USD 5,000 – 7,000
USD 8,255
ANDY WARHOL (1928–1987)
Cow (Feldman/Schellmann II.12A), 1976
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
From the unlimited edition printed by Bill Miller’s Wallpaper Studio, Inc., New York
Bonhams New-York: 26 November 2024
Estimated: USD 6,000 – 8,000
USD 8,960
Screenprint in colors on wallpaper
From the unknown edition size (aside from approximately 100 signed in felt pen)
Combinations
Those prints were never sold as sets but some collectors have constituted sets made of four different prints that are sold as combinations at auction.
Sotheby’s London: 26 September 2023
Estimated: GBP 30,000 – 50,000
GBP 69,850
ANDY WARHOL (1928 – 1987)
Cow: Four Prints, 1966-76
Four screen-prints in colors on wallpaper
Each with the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and Andy Warhol Estate inkstamps verso, annotated in pencil with the AWAAB reference numbers
These impressions are from the editions of unknown size