Title: Hammer and Sickle (FS II.162)
Medium: Screenprint on Strathmore Bristol paper
Year: 1977
Size: 30″ x 40″
Edition: 50, 10 AP, 2 PP, 1 HC, signed and numbered in lower left.
Warhol was inspired to create his Hammer and Sickle portfolio after a trip to Italy. He took note of the numerous hammer and sickle graffiti that symbolized the union of industrial and farm workers under communist control. He asked his assistant, Ronnie Cutrone, to search for appropriate materials from which he could create his pieces. As a result, Cutrone purchased a hammer and sickle and photographed them in different positions. Warhol then used these photographs and added color to create his prints.