Turquoise Marilyn by Andy Warhol,1962. Silkscreen ink on synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 36 x
36 in. (91.4 x 91.4 cm)
Subject: Social Function, Social Description, Portraiture
Subject matter: A replica of a photo from a magazine featuring Marilyn Monroe.
Form: Silkscreen ink on synthetic polymerpaint on canvas, 36 x 36 in. (91.4 x 91.4 cm) There is a heavy
use of vivid color highlighting her lips, eyes, and earrings.
Content: This portrait of Marilyn Monroe was replicated from a magazine still. Warhol placed her on a plain
background and used vivid colors on her eyes, lips and earrings to make them stick out. This portrait was created after the
suicide of Marilyn Monroe and highlights the features most people remember her for.
Warhol's decision to paint "Turquoise Marilyn" came from his facination with the world of celebrities and
fame. Warhol found the situation facinating that Marilyn Monroe, in the peak of her career, obtaining fame and fortune,
something desired by many, would decide to commit suicide. He created several versions of the Marilyn Monroe stills experimenting
with different colors, formats, and sizes.
