Printed invitation to the March 16 [1980] opening of the "World Premiere Exhibition of Andy Warhol 'Ten Images of Jews of the Twentieth Century'" at the Goldman Fine Arts Gallery of The Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, boldly signed in black marker by the artist across the open front, beside and partially onto the image of Albert Einstein. Block of toning from prior mounting, light soiling, overall fine. 8.5 x 5.25 inches; 21.5 x 13.5 cm.

It was at the beginning of 1980, during a chance meeting with Ronald Feldman, a former lawyer who had started his own gallery, that Warhol told him about his wish to embark on a new project. The idea emerged to create a lithographic portfolio in collaboration with the gallery. The topic chosen for this series were personalities of the Jewish faith who had made their mark on the history of the 20th century. A combination of different factors was used to arrive at the final selection of ten thinkers, politicians, artists and writers: the work or action of each personality, their religious integrity, and the aesthetics of the most iconic image of each of them.

The present work, a reproduction of Warhol's silkscreened rendering of Albert Einstein, simultaneously captures the inquisitive essence of the famed physicist and exemplifies Warhol’s preoccupation with the historicizing of genius, its encapsulation and reproduction. As someone who existed in the nexus of space, time, and fame Albert Einstein was a perfectly fitting subject for Warhol. This body of work exemplifies the artist’s lifelong project of canonizing illustrious figures in history who have informed culture and impacted public consciousness. His portrait of Einstein is particularly compelling for both its subject and flawless execution.