Andy Warhol’s Mildred Scheel FS. II 238 was created in 1980 to raise funds for the German Cancer Society (Deutsche Krebshilfe), an organization founded by Mildred Scheel in 1974. A celebrated figure in Germany for her humanitarian work, Scheel was named “Woman of the Year” three years in a row—in 1977, 1978, and 1979. Warhol, a close friend of Scheel’s, honored her philanthropic legacy with this striking screenprint, one of two portraits he produced of the esteemed doctor and activist.

While both prints are based on the same photograph, Mildred Scheel 238 employs bolder, more abstract color blocking, emphasizing Warhol’s talent for infusing emotional nuance through minimal but impactful visual elements. Bright, unexpected hues draw attention to Scheel’s composed expression and professional poise, creating a compelling interplay between the subject’s dignified presence and the Pop aesthetic’s expressive vibrancy.

Mildred Scheel was not only a respected physician but also the second wife of former German President Walter Scheel. Her tireless advocacy for cancer research until her death from the disease in 1985 made her a revered figure in German public life. Warhol’s decision to portray her speaks to his broader interest in capturing the icons of his time—not just movie stars and musicians, but individuals who shaped cultural and humanitarian movements.

In keeping with his signature process, Warhol used silkscreening to replicate photographic images with commercial precision, introducing variations in color to transform each print into a unique work of art. In contrast to the glamorized depictions of celebrities like Liz Taylor and Marilyn Monroe, Mildred Scheel 238 conveys a quieter, more personal form of reverence. The portrait is refined yet expressive, offering a rare moment of intimacy and respect in Warhol’s body of work—an homage to a woman whose public mission aligned with deeply personal convictions.