Mildred Scheel

Andy Warhol’s Mildred Scheel is a striking portrait created in 1980, depicting Dr. Mildred Scheel, a prominent German physician and humanitarian, and the founder of the German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe). As the wife of then-German President Walter Scheel, she was also known as Germany’s First Lady from 1974 to 1979.
This portrait follows Warhol’s signature style, using silkscreen techniques to reproduce a photographic image of Scheel with bold, flattened colors and expressive overlays. Her facial features are sharply outlined, while the background and skin tones are rendered in vivid, often unnatural colors—transforming the image from a traditional likeness into a pop-cultural statement.
While Warhol typically focused on celebrities, political leaders, and cultural icons, his portrayal of Mildred Scheel reflects his interest in individuals who shaped public life through philanthropy, media presence, and social influence. The print blends formality with stylization, elevating her to the same iconic status as his depictions of Marilyn Monroe, Mao, and Jackie Kennedy.
Mildred Scheel is both a personal and public portrait—commemorating a respected public figure while showcasing Warhol’s fascination with fame, image, and influence in modern society.