Andy Warhol’s ‘New York Skyscrapers’ Painting Linked to Trump Set for Auction

In an intriguing intersection of art and politics, one of Andy Warhol‘s portraits from the ‘New York Skyscrapers’ series is set to be auctioned by Phillips. The portrait, which was originally commissioned for the Trump Tower in the early 1980s, bears historical significance due to its connection to Donald Trump, who was then emerging as a major figure in the New York real estate market.

Warhol’s series of portraits, intended to enhance the opulence of Trump Tower’s lobby, was never completed as a transaction. Despite creating eight versions in different hues, including black, silver, and gold, Warhol’s artwork did not meet Donald Trump’s aesthetic expectations. According to Warhol’s diaries, the failure to match the interior decor led Trump to reject the pieces, a decision Warhol deemed «cheap.»

The decision not to purchase the paintings reportedly left Warhol feeling slighted, a sentiment documented in his diaries. «Ivana and Donald Trump turned up their noses at my artwork,» he wrote, underscoring his disappointment. Their relationship did not improve, despite further encounters such as a meeting at Roy Cohn’s birthday party in 1983.

Currently, the auction price for the painting is estimated between $500,000 and $700,000, according to Robert Manley, deputy chairman and co-head of the modern and contemporary art department at Phillips. «I was speaking to a collector, and opinions vary; some believe it will sell for a high price if Trump is in power, while others think it may not sell if he’s not,» stated Manley. Interest in the artwork appears to stem both from political motivations and affinity for Warhol’s creations.

Looking to the artwork’s background provides a snapshot of New York’s high society in the 1980s. The series was conceptualized after Marc Balet, an architect and then the art director for Warhol’s ‘Interview’ magazine, introduced Warhol to Donald Trump. The idea was to have portraits of the Trump Tower flank the residence floors.

Despite the initial rejection, the paintings eventually found their way to private collections, with two pieces now residing in the Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. Warhol’s portrayal of the Trump Tower was imbued with glitter and ground glass «diamond dust,» meant to reflect the building’s glittering facade and luxurious ambition.

The upcoming auction takes place as part of New York Art Week, with some observers speculating on the possible motivations behind potential buyers. There is conjecture that individuals on both sides of the political spectrum might be interested in acquiring the piece, either as a statement supporting or disparaging Trump.

Phillips hopes that the event will ride the wave of economic optimism post-election, as art markets anticipate a resurgence in buyers’ confidence. «After waiting for the election’s conclusion, many collectors are poised to invest in significant artworks,» commented Abigail Asher, an art adviser.