15 Intimate Black and White Photographs That Give a Rare Glimpse Into the Everyday Life of Andy Warhol in New York City, 1981

In the spring of 1981, as Warhol prepared for “Myths,” his exhibition that fall at New York’s Ronald Feldman Gallery, he spent two days with Robert Levin, a fine art photographer on assignment for Germany’s Stern magazine. Levin followed Warhol everywhere, from the artist’s work at the Factory, to various adventures across the city, including a bike ride in the East Village.

The photographs taken over the course of the two-day session provide a stunning and intimate glimpse into the daily routine and extraordinary life of famed artist Andy Warhol.

Andy Warhol Portrait #1 taken at the Factory (1981). Photo: Robert Levin.

Andy Warhol with a bicycle on East 11th Street in the Village in New York City (1981). Photo: Robert Levin.

Andy Warhol Portrait #2 taken at the Factory (1981). Photo: Robert Levin.

Andy Warhol undergoing a facial treatment at the Janet Sartin Spa in New York City (1981). Photo: Robert Levin.

Andy Warhol getting facial treatment in New York City (1981). Photo: Robert Levin.

Andy Warhol relaxing after receiving a facial treatment at the Janet Sartin Spa in New York City (1981). Photo: Robert Levin.

Andy Warhol in a storage room at the Factory (1981). Photo: Robert Levin.

Andy seated in the conference room at the Factory with totems, VCR Television, and moose head taxidermy mounted on the wall (1981). Photo: Robert Levin.

Andy Warhol posing at the New York City midtown store where he purchased a bullet proof vest, (1981). Photo: Robert Levin.

Andy Warhol holding Dracula Myth (1981). Photo: Robert Levin.

Andy Warhol on the phone at Factory in New York City (1981). Photo: Robert Levin.

Andy Warhol bust, Halston shoes, 1981. Photo: Robert Levin.

Chance meeting between Andy Warhol and John Waters on Madison Avenue, (1981). Photo: Robert Levin.

Andy Warhol standing in front of the installation of the Myths at the Robert Feldman Gallery in New York City (1981). Photo: Robert Levin.

Andy Warhol seated at a table at the Pierre Hotel in New York City (1981). Photo: courtesy Maison Gerard.