Warhol’s wildlife: The Endangered Species market surge

Andy Warhol’s Endangered Species series, created in 1983, stands as a remarkable fusion of Pop Art and environmental advocacy. Commissioned by Ronald and Frayda Feldman, the series comprises 10 vivid screenprints from an edition of 150 depicting endangered animals such as the Siberian Tiger, African Elephant and Giant Panda. Through his signature bold colors and high-contrast designs, Warhol transformed these animals into cultural icons, celebrating their beauty while drawing attention to their vulnerability.

From a market standpoint, the Endangered Species series has become one of Warhol’s most highly coveted works, appealing to both seasoned collectors and environmentally conscious buyers. Individual prints from the series regularly achieve impressive results at auction. For instance, the Bald Eagle sold for $485,000 at Sotheby’s in May 2022, while the Siberian Tiger, among the most iconic of the set, achieved $530,000 at Christie’s in November 2021.

Today, however, a growing trend among collectors is the pursuit of full sets, with matching edition numbers, ideally in excellent condition. A complete portfolio presents a unified narrative and commands a significant premium. In November 2024, a complete suite with matching edition numbers sold for a record-breaking $4.32 million at Sotheby’s, surpassing its pre-sale estimate. This broke the previous record set in March 2021, also at Sotheby’s, where a full set sold for just over $4 million.

The appreciation in value over the past decade has been extraordinary: between 2010 and 2015, full sets of Endangered Species typically sold for around $500,000 at major auction houses. This sharp increase highlights the series' growing desirability not only for its artistic and historical significance but also for its substantial investment potential. Complete sets in pristine condition are increasingly rare, as many have been separated or show signs of wear over the decades.

This surge in interest reflects a broader trend, with collectors seeking works that blend artistic prestige, cultural relevance, and social impact. Warhol’s Endangered Species encapsulates this balance, offering both aesthetic and financial value. For collectors, owning a full set is not just a testament to taste but a strategic investment in a timeless masterpiece. Interested in acquiring a full set of prints by the Pope of Pop? Get in touch!