The Witch | 1981, signed Andy Warhol offset lithographic print from the 'Myths' Series

Andy Warhol’s The Witch reinterprets the infamous character of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, transforming her into a vivid and larger-than-life icon of both fear and intrigue. The source material for this print was based on a Polaroid portrait of Margaret Hamilton, the actress who portrayed the witch in the 1931 film. Warhol called upon Hamilton herself to recreate the iconic pose for the print, capturing her maniacal laugh and the intensity of her character. In contrast to the more restrained expressions in works like Uncle Sam and The Star, the witch’s expression is animated and full of malevolent energy. The rich purple background and lurid green complexion further emphasize her sinister presence, while the red and green highlights around her wide-brimmed hat and dark clothing draw attention to the character’s features. Part of Warhol’s Myths series, The Witch represents both the mythological figure from Oz and an introspective look into Warhol’s own connection with the world around him.

This piece is an offset lithographic color print on card, signed in white marker pen and stamped “Andy Warhol” on the verso. Published in 1981 in collaboration with Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, New York, it measures 17.8 x 17.8 cm. These prints were originally produced as promotional cards for Warhol’s Myths series rather than as formal limited editions, making signed examples particularly scarce.