“Self-Portrait” (1993) by Andy Warhol, reproduction on handmade paper

Andy Warhol was America's most famous artist. He was considered a revolutionary, an eccentric, and the inventor of Pop Art—all at once. Art critics celebrated him with accolades never before bestowed upon any artist—not even Pablo Picasso or Salvador Dalí. Alfred Nemeczek writes: "They (the accolades) ranged from 'Pop Star' to 'Pop Artist,' elevated the 'Pop Genius' from 'Pop Prince' to 'Prince of Pop,' and further to 'Pop King,' 'Pop Tsar,' and 'Grand Mogul.' But the 'Picasso of Pop Art' was also dubbed 'High Priest' and 'Pope of Pop.'" (Artists - Critical Lexicon of Contemporary Art)