DRACULA 264
Dracula 264 by Andy Warhol is one of ten screenprints featured in Warhol’s Myths series from 1981. Warhol frequently established his fascination with celebrities, commercial idols, and other relevant figures in works like Marilyn Monroe and Mao. In Myths, however, the artist strays from reality and into the world of fantasy, showcasing well-known mythical figures from American history, culture, and cinema. The subjects, which are drawn from ancient folklore, childhood stories, and allegorical tales, capture the magic of America’s enchanted past and evoke a sense of nostalgia. Warhol pushes the artwork’s luster and charm even further, by inlaying nine of the ten prints with shimmering diamond dust.

DRACULA 264 AS A PART OF ANDY WARHOL’S LARGER BODY OF WORK
Apart from iconic imagery, each print in the Myths collection is said to represent a facet of Warhol’s personality (even using a self portrait to recreate The Shadow). With his fantastical creations and mysterious demeanor, Warhol himself may be compared to a mythical being. In their entirety, these works encapsulate Warhol’s outlandish, flamboyant aura. Dracula 264 in particular derives from Warhol’s nickname slash “alter ego”: “Drella, ” a portmanteau of “Dracula” and “Cinderella, ” and a reference to Warhol’s pale skin, gaunt appearance, and night owl habits. During the day he would bury himself in his artwork, cooped up in his cave as if he were fairytale princess Cinderella. By night he would cast off his bashful disguise and unleash his wild side, commonly hosting or visiting parties with his closest friends and confidants. Lou Reed and John Cale, two former members of the rock band The Velvet Underground, released an album titled Songs for Drella to honor the influential artist following his death.