Legendary U.N. Stamp by Andy Warhol, hand-signed in black ink and numbered in felt pen, published by United Nations Disaster Relief Organization, New York (with their inkstamp), 1979
Literature: Frayda Feldman and Jörg Schellmann 185
The stamp is a symbol of the unity brought by the United Nations after a period of tumultuous relationships between the leading countries and economies throughout the world. Warhol's rendition of the stamp is characterized by vibrant colors and abstract line work that set it apart as a truly unique piece.
Warhol was famous for creating thought-provoking pieces of art based off simple, everyday objects like soup cans, Brillo boxes and flowers. Along with his already iconic status as an artist, this habit made him an ideal participant in the United Nations fundraiser. The Stamp was commissioned by the World Federation of United Nations Association, a global organization whose goal is to support the principles and the purposes of the United Nations. For over two decades, they raised money for the United Nations through the sale of artworks to promote the ideals of the U.N. and raise money for their educational programs. Along with famous artists such as Picasso, Al Hirschfeld and Salvador Dali, Warhol created his U.N. Stamp lithograph.