In 1962, at the behest of Jacqueline Kennedy, the Mona Lisa was brought to America for the first and only time. It’s exhibition proved to be the biggest Blockbuster in American history, with lines of visitors queuing to get a glimpse of that enigmatic smile. John F. Kennedy welcomed her and talked about the hope for a new American art that would rival the European traditions. A young Andy Warhol took up this challenge, producing this extraordinary “Colored Mona Lisa” – Mona Lisa was the most famous and glamorous celebrity of the times and the perfect subject for a celebrity mad Warhol alongside his portraits of Marilyn Monroe and Liz Taylor. His “Colored Mona Lisa” has become an icon in itself, included in every major exhibition and on the cover of many monographs. In celebration of its sale on May 13th in New York, we have produced a fascinating short documentary charting the arrival and impact of the real Mona Lisa to New York and Warhol’s response. We have uncovered wonderful newsreels with historic footage and period style newscasters. You can watch this video on Christie’s website as well as read a special ecatalogue through the following link: http://www.christies.com/features/Andy-Warhols-Colored-Mona-Lisa-5916-3.aspx

A photo posted by Brett Gorvy (@brettgorvy) on Apr 21, 2015 at 11:14pm PDT