signed and numbered 248/250 lower right; titled and numbered on a label on the reverse. Printed by Rupert Jasen Smith, New York; published by CBS, Inc., Los Angeles, California
31.25 × 39 in (79.4 × 99.1 cm) (sheet)
(including Buyer's Premium)
Martin Lawrence Galleries, New York
Private Collection, Toronto
Frayda Feldman and Jörg Schellmann, Andy Warhol Prints: A Catalogue Raisonné 1962-1987, 4th edition, Milan, 2003, listed page 148, no. II.360A
Created two years after his Endangered Species series, this work aligned with Andy Warhol's focus on the preservation of wildlife and served as promotional material. The publication coincided with the release of the 1985 film Turtle Diary, adapted by Harold Pinter from Russell Hoban’s novel, exploring the connection between two visitors to the London Zoo who believe the turtles are being unnaturally confined and plan to liberate them.
The themes of connection and liberation in the film are echoed in Warhol’s work, serving as a commentary on environmental conservation and the fragility of ecosystems. Despite having existed for millions of years, many species of sea turtles are threatened with extinction due to habitat destruction, overexploitation and climate change. Based on a photograph, Warhol has enhanced the image of the sea turtle with bold tones of blue, green and pink. The red outline that defines its shape not only captures this ancient creature but also elevates it to a commercial Pop Art aesthetic, raising awareness of its plight.
