Edward Kennedy 240 is a rare and historically significant screenprint that Andy Warhol created in 1980 to support Senator Edward Kennedy’s presidential campaign. Along with Edward Kennedy 241, these are are the only two prints that Warhol created of the famous politician. He based the portrait on a Polaroid he took himself, transforming photos into iconic visual statements.

Warhol often used Polaroid photographs for his large-scale portraits of celebrities and pop culture icons, especially after facing criticism over his use of copyrighted images. This particular print stands out not only for its subject matter, but also for its provenance. It was co-signed by both Warhol and Kennedy as part of a small, exclusive edition for campaign donors.

Unlike Warhol’s brightly colored celebrity portraits, Edward Kennedy 240 relies on tonal contrast and subtle chromatic accents to convey presence and power. The use of electric blue and crimson red outlines to trace the contours of the suit, hair, and facial features introduces a quiet tension into an otherwise solemn and dignified composition.

The overall effect is one of formality and gravitas—qualities befitting Kennedy’s public role as a statesman. The heavy black inking of the suit, paired with the minimal modeling of the face, places visual weight on the figure while allowing the gaze to anchor the viewer’s attention. Kennedy’s direct expression is measured and thoughtful, projecting a sense of moral steadiness rather than theatrical charisma.