James Dean (Rebel Without a Cause) - Japanese Series
Screenprint or lithograph invitation card/small-format print • Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987)
Style & Movement
Pop Art
Medium & Technique
Color screenprint or high-quality offset lithography on paper; features Andy Warhol's signature in black marker (felt-tip pen).
Creation Period
circa 1985–1986
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 7 x 5 inches; portrait orientation, mounted in a larger black frame with a deep mat.
Subject Description
Depiction of film icon James Dean in his role from 'Rebel Without a Cause' (1955), overlaid with Japanese kanji characters ('riyū naki hankō', the film's Japanese title). The imagery is derived from Warhol's Ads series, utilizing his signature repetition and high-contrast color palette.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the print colors appear vibrant, though the signature shows slight feathering indicative of age on semi-glossy paper stock.
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $6,000 USD (Subject to authentication of the signature and the print edition)
Auction Estimate
$2,500 - $5,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely an invitation card or promotional material for a mid-1980s exhibition (possibly 'Warhol in Japan'). Visible signature suggests it was a period-collected piece or a high-end gallery boutique item.
Art Historical Significance
Represents Warhol's late-period fascination with international branding and his 'Ads' portfolio (1985). It highlights his method of repurposing Hollywood iconography for a global consumerist audience, blending Western celebrity with Eastern typography.
Notable Features
Features a prominent, bold signature by Warhol in the lower white margin. The juxtaposition of the James Dean image with Japanese text is a hallmark of his 1980s commercial aesthetic.
Condition Issues
Minor surface scuffs possible; potential for light acidity from the mounting mat if not archival; slight handling wear at the edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure UV-protective museum glass is used for framing; monitor humidity levels to prevent paper rippling; keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading of the red inks and marker ink.