Title: Martin Buber 228
Medium: Screenprint on Lenox Museum Board
Year: 1980
Size: 40” x 32”
Details: Edition of 200, signed and numbered in pencil.

Andy Warhol created this portrait of Martin Buber in 1980 for his portfolio Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century. Warhol was fascinated with how influential the scholar and philosopher is, leading the pop artist to choose Buber as one of his Jewish geniuses. Martin Buber is known for his retelling of the Hasidic tales, metaphysical writings, and the role he played in the founding of Israel. He is one of the most influential Jewish figures of all time. Based on a famous photograph of Martin Buber, Warhol employed his signature color blocking technique to create a collage-like texture in shades of blue, purple, green, and orange. The details of Buber’s face and beard are accented with red and black crayon-like outlines. The dramatic color scheme and close-up focus of this portrait by Andy Warhol emphasize the genius exhibited by Martin Buber during his lifetime.