Andrew Warhola, a.k.a. Andre, sent this card to friend and college classmate Stuart Williams well before he became successful artist Andy Warhol. During their time together at Carnegie Technical Institute (now Carnegie Mellon University), Warhol studied to become a commercial illustrator but was fascinated by dance. He joined the Modern Dance club while at school and two of his earliest artistic successes were dance themed paintings included in the Associated Artists of Pittsburg’s 100th-anniversary show in 1948. Warhol often said:
"I never wanted to be a painter, I wanted to be a
tap-dancer."Warhol’s passion is on display in this Christmas card where dancers are posed in evolving ballet positions. Their form and surroundings are reminiscent of a twirling music box figurine, evoking the sentimentality of Christmas and Warhol’s fondness for dance. Made in a playful hybrid of his commercial style and blotted line technique, this early work is an intimate example of the artist Pre-Pop.
After graduating, Warhol moved to New York City where he worked as a commercial illustrator for several years. Warhol created other Christmas card motifs during this time, including a series for Tiffany & Co. Later, as a successful Pop Artist, Warhol continued to celebrate Christmas through his art, making festive designs that are still reproduced seasonally. As a more intimate precursor to his artistic career, this hand-addressed card offers a glimpse into Warhol’s personal relationships, leading us to wonder what his casual inscription "STUFF" might reference.