Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century

Andy Warhol's Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century were first shown at the Jewish Center of Washington in Bethesda, Maryland in March 1980. The portfolios of prints were selling so well at the opening that Ronald Feldman rose the price from $6,000 each to $9,000. Feldman had sold the first group of prints for $3,000 before the opening to cover the costs of the exhibit. By the end of the opening the prints were going for $12,000 "and some of those who had paid a lower price a few hours earlier were reselling their portfolios at a profit on an instant secondary market." (BC445)

Bob Colacello:

"The [Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century] prints, which were done first, marked the beginning of a long line of formulaic editions, and the paintings were practically copies of the prints. The idea came from New York dealer Ronald Feldman. Around the office, the working title was 'Jewish Geniuses,' because Feldman had sent down a list of over one hundred candidates and every one of them was an indisputable master in his or her field. 'Why are they all so smart, Bob?' Andy asked. 'Could it be something in their diet? Don't you wish you were Jewish sometimes?'...

Andy thought about Jews a lot. He was fascinated by them, afraid of them, dying to be accepted by them - but he never mentioned that his mother's grandmother was Jewish." (BC444)