Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century by Andy Warhol is a screenprint portfolio that celebrates the monumental contributions of ten Jewish figures who profoundly influenced the 20th century. This particular set is composed of trial proofs: unique works that Warhol created during the production processes of each portfolio before choosing the proof that would compose the regular edition of each print. Notably, the Ten Jews Complete Portfolio marks the introduction of the use of trial proofs in Warhol’s body of work.
Published in 1980, Ten Jews is a testament to Warhol’s ability to merge his iconic pop art style with profound historical reverence. From the scientific genius of Albert Einstein to the comedic brilliance of the Marx Brothers, Warhol captures the essence of each luminary, immortalizing them in his signature vibrant hues and pop art abstractions.
Warhol curated Ten Jews in collaboration with art dealer Ronald Feldman, who commissioned many of Warhol’s most beloved works from the 1980s. The final selection led to an interesting debate. Questions arose: Why include Gertrude Stein but not Bob Dylan? (Indeed, Bob Dylan was originally going to be included in the series). The answer lay in Warhol’s decision to only depict figures who had already passed away. This choice infused the portraits with a palpable sense of mortality, which Warhol was also famously interested in. While the decision had a limiting effect on potential subjects, it resulted in a portfolio that beautifully demonstrates Warhol’s exploration of fame, legacy, and the transient nature of life, while paying homage to some of the most influential Jewish figures in history. Only depicting deceased subjects adds a layer of poignancy to the series, reconciling the fleeting nature of power and fame with the enduring impact of one’s legacy.
Warhol’s meticulous approach is evident in his fusion of abstract elements with archival photographs. The resulting portraits, whether it’s the probing gaze of Sigmund Freud or the commanding presence of Golda Meir, are a harmonious blend of past and present, reality and abstraction. Warhol’s choice to include the Marx Brothers, with their playful and comedic legacy, adds a touch of whimsy to the series, balancing the gravitas of other subjects and further contributing to the broad scope and total consideration of the portfolio.
Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century as part of Andy Warhol’s Larger Body of Work
This Trial Proof edition of the portfolio, composed entirely of unique prints, adds an extra layer of uniqueness and rarity to the series. Each print is distinct, emphasizing Warhol’s ability to merge mass production techniques with individual artistry. This juxtaposition of unique and reproducible elements aligns with Warhol’s broader commentary on art, culture, and celebrity, making the “Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century” a significant and thought-provoking body of work in his oeuvre.
While the series was met with mixed reviews upon its debut, its enduring value in the art world is indisputable. Critics may have questioned Warhol’s motivations, with some dismissing the series as commercial exploitation (as with many of Warhol’s works, especially from the 1970s and leading into the ’80s). Warhol’s fascination with celebrity and the mechanisms of fame is evident in this series, but in this collection, it’s not about surface-level glamour. By choosing subjects like Louis Brandeis and Martin Buber  Warhol delves deeper, highlighting their profound contributions to society and culture.
The Ten Jews portfolio also sparks curiosity about Warhol’s own beliefs and motivations. As a practicing Catholic, his decision to create a series dedicated to Jewish figures might seem unusual. However, it underscores Warhol’s broader interest in cultural icons, despite religious or ethnic backgrounds.
Overall, the Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century series is one of Warhol’s quintessential blends of art and history, paying tribute to ten Jewish luminaries who we would be remiss to forget. Being a complete edition of trial proofs, this specific set is even more impactful, standing as a singular work of art in the artist’s massive catalog.
Photo Credits:
1-Â Andy Warhol with some of his works on 15 December 1980Â (Getty Images/Susan Greenwood/Liaison Agency).
2-Â Andy Warhol at the Jewish Museum, 1980. Photo by Bernard Gotfryd.
