Gift of the artist

This work is in very good condition overall. There is evidence of wear and handling with associated losses around the extreme edges where the frame hits the canvas. There are scattered light surface accretions in the lower half of the work, most noticeably near the lower right corner. There are no signs of restoration under Ultraviolet light inspection. Framed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Gaetana Enders, Italian by birth, was raised in Tangiers Morocco. Married to Tom Enders, the American ambassador to Canada and then Spain, her married life was one of intrigue and elegance. She met Andy Warhol in Washington, D.C. in 1975 and instantly a deep friendship was formed. He visited her around the world, staying at her many different embassy homes. The two were part of the same glittering social circle of starlights and socialities, many of whom also had their portraits painted by Warhol. It was Gaetana who introduced the artist to the acclaimed Conrad Black and Andre Delvaux, two of his most accalimed sitters.

The painting is titled after the artist's nickname for his companion, "The Ambassadress," which deve𓆏loped soon after he♛r husband was named the ambassador to Canada in 1976. One evening, while accomanying him to the opening of the illustrious Palladium club in Manhattan, Warhol was asked who his date was. He answered dramatically, "My Ambassadress."