In 1986, Andy Warhol (1928-1987) completed what would become one of his final and most culturally layered series: Cowboys and Indians. A collection that merges historical imagination with pop language, it features figures like General Custer, Annie Oakley, Teddy Roosevelt, and Native American leaders such as Geronimo and Sitting Bull - all filtered through Warhol's unmistakable style.
At a time when America was reflecting on its own myths, Warhol offered an ironic yet oddly reverent view of the Old West. But unlike typical Western imagery, he placed Native American subjects on equal footing with Hollywood icons and military legends. His depiction of a proud Geronimo holding a rifle, for instance, challenges the romanticized narratives of conquest.
Warhol wasn't interested in historical accuracy - he was interested in how culture constructs memory. He appropriated images from stamps, film stills, and postcards, revealing how deeply ingrained and commercialized these symbols had become in American consciousness.
Cowboys and Indians is not only visually striking; it's emotionally charged. There's nostalgia, but also critique. Playfulness, but also gravity. And for collectors, it represents a rare convergence: the final decade of Warhol's production, a theme loaded with meaning, and a series that bridges the gap between pop culture and national identity.
Looking to collect works from Warhol's late period? Get in touch. At Galería Cortina, we specialize in Pop Art and meaningful acquisitions - works that tell a story, resonate with history, and elevate every collection.
