Andy Warhol Bald Eagle Endangered Species FS II.296

Andy Warhol’s Bald Eagle from the 1983 Endangered Species portfolio is among the most sought-after Warhol prints. Catalogued as FS II.296 in the Feldman/Schellmann raisonné, it merges the artist’s Pop vocabulary with conservation-era iconography, turning an American emblem into a vivid, urgent symbol. For appraisers and collectors, this work offers a rich mix of visual impact, robust editioning information, and an active secondary market—if you know how to assess it properly.

Below is a focused guide to identifying an authentic impression, understanding its edition structure, recognizing condition risks, and evaluating market drivers for an accurate appraisal.

What is FS II.296? Context and significance

• Title and series: Bald Eagle is one of the ten screenprints in Warhol’s Endangered Species portfolio (1983). Each plate features a threatened animal rendered in Warhol’s signature high-contrast, Day-Glo palette.
• Catalogue reference: FS II.296 refers to the entry number in Feldman/Schellmann, the standard catalogue raisonné for Warhol’s prints (Volume II covers screenprints).
• Medium and format: Screenprint on Lenox Museum Board, typically 38 x 38 in (96.5 x 96.5 cm) full sheet. The image is generally full-bleed or near-full-bleed on a square board.
• Publisher and printer: Published by Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, New York; printed by Rupert Jasen Smith, New York.
• Signature and numbering: Signed and numbered in pencil, commonly at the lower margins (Warhol’s 1980s signature is fluid and legible, “Andy Warhol”).
• Visual hallmarks: The Bald Eagle composition isolates the raptor’s head and shoulders in vivid, contrasting color blocks with graphic contour lines. Fluorescent inks are common across the series, creating strong, immediate color impact under normal light and distinctive fluorescence under UV.

Why it matters: The Bald Eagle is one of the most iconic subjects in the portfolio. Cultural resonance, bold palette, and its position within a desirable Warhol print series make FS II.296 a blue-chip print in the Warhol market.

Edition structure and variants

• Standard edition: Commonly cited as an edition of 150.
• Proofs: In addition to the numbered edition, expect Artist’s Proofs (AP), Printer’s Proofs (PP), Hors Commerce (HC), and Trial Proofs (TP). Exact proof counts can vary by source; TPs may show notable color differences and are often unique or in very small numbers.
• Portfolio vs. single sheets: Works were issued as complete portfolios of ten and also sold individually. Portfolio sets with uniform provenance can command a premium.
• Paper and impressions: Lenox Museum Board is a thick, smooth, high-quality board. There is no deckle edge; dimensions are square and consistent.
• Stamps and marks: Impressions may bear the printer’s blindstamp (Rupert Jasen Smith, New York) and/or the publisher’s stamp. Always compare stamps to verified references; the absence or mismatch of these can be a red flag.

Key takeaway: For the standard edition of FS II.296, expect a pencil signature and edition number, consistent square sheet size, and printer/publisher indications consistent with 1983 Warhol practices. Trial proofs are rarer and often carry distinct palettes that may affect value.

Authentication and identification: What to check

• Measurements: Confirm approximately 38 x 38 inches (96.5 x 96.5 cm). Significant deviations suggest trimming, damage, or a reproduction.
• Medium: Genuine impressions are screenprints with discernible ink laydown. You should see areas of flat, opaque color and edge registration typical of layered screenprinting, not the dot matrices of offset lithography.
• Signature and numbering:
  • Pencil signature “Andy Warhol” is expected.
  • Edition number typically written as “xx/150” (or AP/PP/TP/HC designations) in pencil.
  • Compare handwriting to known authentic examples from the early 1980s; Warhol’s signature style evolved from the 1960s to the 1980s.
• Printer/publisher marks: Look for Rupert Jasen Smith’s blindstamp and indications of Ronald Feldman Fine Arts as publisher. Placement can vary, but inconsistencies call for deeper investigation.
• UV behavior: Day-Glo pigments often fluoresce under ultraviolet light. This can help differentiate original fluorescent inks from later non-fluorescent reproductions, and can also reveal later overpainting or restoration.
• Catalogue match: Verify details against Feldman/Schellmann FS II.296 (title, year, medium, size, edition information). Consistency with the entry is a baseline requirement.
• Provenance: First-owner or early gallery invoices, portfolio documentation, and reputable dealer invoices strengthen authenticity. Consistent framing labels and a clear chain of custody matter.
• Avoid red flags:
  • Open-edition posters, offset lithographs, or reproductions on thin paper.
  • “Unsigned” standard edition examples (generally atypical for this series).
  • Overly glossy surfaces or ink-spray dot patterns inconsistent with screenprinting.
  • Back-of-sheet stamps or labels unrelated to the known printer/publisher.

Important note: The Andy Warhol Authentication Board no longer operates, and the Warhol Foundation does not authenticate. For prints, the catalogue raisonné, primary-source documentation, and established print specialists are the go-to resources.

Condition: Risks, grading, and conservation

Warhol’s Endangered Species prints are visually robust but can be condition-sensitive due to materials and scale.

Typical condition issues:

• Light sensitivity: Fluorescent inks can fade with prolonged light exposure, shifting to a duller palette. Look for differential fading across exposed vs. covered areas (e.g., mat windows).
• Surface scuffs and abrasions: The large, flat color fields show rubs, burnishing, and handling marks readily. Matte areas can reveal even faint friction.
• Craquelure and minor lifting: Dense ink areas may show fine cracking, particularly near corners/edges or where ink layers build up.
• Edge/corner wear: Because prints are full-bleed on board, edges are vulnerable to bumps, chips, and small losses—often hidden by frames.
• Staining/soiling: Fingerprints, grime, and adhesive stains from subpar framing. Watch for mat-burn lines and tape staining on the verso.
• Restorations: Overpainting, inpainting, and fills in losses may be present. UV examination helps reveal interventions; mismatched gloss or texture is another clue.
• Trimming: Past owners sometimes trimmed damaged edges, reducing value and altering standard dimensions.

Conservation and care:

• Framing: Use archival, 100% rag, acid-free mounts; hinge-mounting with conservation-grade materials. UV-filtering acrylic (preferred for weight and shatter resistance) or glass, with a proper spacer to avoid glazing contact.
• Lighting: Keep lux levels low; avoid direct sunlight and intense LED spotlights. Consider rotating display/out-of-light storage.
• Environment: Stable temperature and relative humidity (roughly 45–55% RH). Avoid basements, attics, and exterior walls.
• Cleaning and restoration: Only by a qualified paper conservator familiar with screenprints and fluorescent inks. Over-restoration is a serious market liability.

Condition grading impacts value substantially. A strong, unfaded palette, clean surfaces, intact corners, and no restoration typically command top-tier prices.

Market performance and valuation factors

Value drivers for Warhol’s Bald Eagle (FS II.296) include:

• Subject desirability: Bald Eagle is a culturally potent image and a standout within Endangered Species. Demand is consistently high compared to some other animals in the set.
• Palette and impression quality: Bright, saturated, unfaded fluorescent tones bring premiums. “Tired” colors diminish desirability.
• Edition type: Standard numbered edition vs. AP/PP/TP/HC. Trial Proofs with distinctive colorways can exceed standard edition prices, depending on aesthetics and rarity.
• Condition: Even minor scuffs in large color fields can move a print down a price bracket. Restoration, trimming, or significant fading can reduce value sharply.
• Provenance: Early gallery invoices (e.g., Ronald Feldman Fine Arts), reputable dealers, and documented chain-of-ownership support confidence and price.
• Portfolio status: A complete Endangered Species portfolio with original documentation can carry a significant aggregate premium. Within sets, the Bald Eagle often anchors interest.
• Timing and liquidity: Warhol’s print market is active but cyclical. Prices can swing with broader market sentiment, museum exhibitions, and headline sales.

As a rough orientation for appraisers: over the past several years, prime-condition FS II.296 impressions have achieved strong mid-to-high six-figure results in major sales, with premiums for exceptional condition, standout provenance, or special proofs. Always anchor your appraisal in the most recent, relevant comparables adjusted for condition and proof status.

Appraisal workflow: from intake to conclusion

• Intake and documentation:
  • Record exact measurements and all inscriptions (signature, numbering, stamps).
  • Photograph recto/verso unframed under raking light and UV.
  • Gather provenance documentation: invoices, portfolio paperwork, correspondence, prior appraisals.
• Technical review:
  • Confirm substrate (Lenox Museum Board), screenprint ink characteristics, and fluorescent behavior.
  • Match to FS II.296 catalogue details (title, year, medium, size, edition).
• Condition assessment:
  • Note fading, abrasions, craquelure, edge wear, stains, and any evidence of restoration or trimming.
  • Grade severity and estimate conservation needs and risks.
• Market analysis:
  • Identify 6–12 nearest comparables by edition type, condition, and recency.
  • Adjust for differences: edition category (AP/TP), palette strength, provenance, restoration.
• Valuation conclusion:
  • Provide a value range (low–high) with explicit comparables and condition adjustments.
  • Include market notes (liquidity, recent demand for the subject) and any sale recommendations.

Practical checklist

• Confirm measurements: approximately 38 x 38 in (96.5 x 96.5 cm).
• Verify medium: screenprint on Lenox Museum Board; flat, opaque color layers.
• Check inscriptions: pencil signature “Andy Warhol”; edition number or proof mark.
• Look for printer/publisher: Rupert Jasen Smith blindstamp; Ronald Feldman Fine Arts indication.
• Examine under UV: fluorescent ink response; detect overpainting/restoration.
• Inspect condition: fading, scuffs, craquelure, edge/corner wear, stains, trimming.
• Review provenance: gallery invoices, prior appraisals, portfolio paperwork.
• Cross-reference: Feldman/Schellmann FS II.296 entry for consistency.
• Compare comps: recent, like-for-like sales adjusted for condition and proof status.
• Frame strategy: archive-quality materials; UV-filtering glazing; no glazing contact.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What does “FS II.296” mean? A: It’s the Feldman/Schellmann catalogue raisonné number for this print. “II” denotes the screenprints volume; “296” is the specific entry for Bald Eagle in the Endangered Species series.

Q: Are unsigned Bald Eagle prints authentic? A: The standard 1983 edition was signed and numbered in pencil. Unsigned examples warrant heightened scrutiny; they may be later reproductions, remaindered sheets, or paperwork errors. Proceed cautiously and consult a specialist.

Q: Do Trial Proofs (TP) have different values? A: Yes. TPs often feature distinct colorways and are rarer. Depending on aesthetics and condition, they can command premiums over the standard edition, but pricing is highly case-specific.

Q: How much does restoration affect value? A: Light, expert conservation for surface dirt or minor scuffs may have minimal impact. Significant inpainting, color retouching, or repairs to edges—especially if visible under UV—can materially reduce value. Full disclosure is essential.

Q: Should I keep it framed or store it flat? A: If display is important, use UV-filtering glazing, archival materials, and low-light conditions. For long-term preservation, dark storage in an archival box with interleaving can help preserve fluorescent pigments. Rotating display is a good compromise.

By focusing on the telltale details—size, substrate, signatures, printer/publisher marks, UV behavior, and condition—you can authenticate and appraise Warhol’s Bald Eagle (FS II.296) with confidence. A disciplined approach, supported by the catalogue raisonné and tightly matched comparables, will produce defensible valuations in a market that continues to prize this iconic image.