Einstein, from 10 Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century, 1980

Andy Warhol’s Albert Einstein, from the 10 Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century series (1980), exemplifies the artist’s enduring interest in the intersection of fame, intellect, and cultural legacy. In this portrait, Warhol transforms one of the most recognizable figures in modern history into a bold Pop icon, using layered color fields, graphic contours, and photographic precision to reframe Einstein’s image within contemporary visual culture. Warhol’s treatment underscores Einstein’s status not only as a scientific genius but also as a global cultural symbol—someone whose likeness is instantly identifiable and universally revered. By applying his Pop vocabulary to a figure of such intellectual magnitude, Warhol elevates Einstein’s persona into the realm of myth and mass media imagery.

This particular example is exceptionally rare: a Trial Proof, one of only 25, and therefore a unique variant within the series. Trial Proofs often contain color adjustments, compositional differences, or subtle variations that distinguish them from the standard edition—making them especially prized among collectors. Executed as a screenprint on Lenox Museum Board and uniquely individualized through its proof designation, this work carries both artistic and historical significance. Its rarity, combined with Warhol’s iconic treatment of Einstein, positions it as one of the most compelling and collectible prints in the entire series.