Campbell’s Soup Cans II: Vegetarian Vegetable 56 is a screen print by Andy Warhol from the artist’s Campbellās Soup Cans II portfolio from 1969. This series consisted of ten prints, each with different flavors and names. This collection is a sequel to his first Campbellās Soup Cans portfolio from 1968, with ten additional prints featuring the more uncommon flavors. Using his revolutionary design technique and commercial style, Warhol’s signature Pop Art soup cans took the art world by storm. The bold, commercially objective works initially shocked the art community when first exhibited in 1962. They have since become some of the most famous pieces of modern art history.
Although Warholās 1969 soup can portfolio still contains the same familiar red and white design, Campbellās Soup Cans II showcases ten of the more interesting flavors. This new collection of prints has the same trademark design, but with the small addition of Warhol’s new graphics. The new additions add a small flare to his original, traditional design, and represent the final development of his original soup can paintings.
In place of the traditional Campbellās golden seal, the front of each can shows a unique design. On this particular print, the label reads āThe Alphabet Soupā inside a speech bubble floating above the soupās name. This fun and unique design fits well into Warholās already existing portfolios, while staying true to the repetitive appearance he admired.
Other soup can prints from this series include New England Clam Chowder, Cheddar Cheese, and Chicken Nā Dumplings.Ā These unusual soups are all real flavors of Campbellās Soup.
Andy Warhol originally hand painted the cans for his 32 Campbellās Soup Cans series in 1962. This all changed after the development of the silkscreen printing technique, which Warhol utilized for its reliable and precise results. This new creative development allowed Warhol to mass produce detailed images in a more accessible way. It quickly became his preferred method of artistic creation, and stands as the heartbeat of his catalogue.
The Campbellās Soup Cans II: Vegetarian Vegetable print is one of the most iconic Pop Art images of the century, serving as a symbol of consumer culture and advertisement. Warhol often appropriated well known objects and images of consumerism, transforming them into fine art. Significantly, the Campbellās soup cans challenged what could be deemed socially and artistically acceptable. His decision to paint the soups, effectively breaking the mold of modern art, is owed to various curiosities. Not only did Andy have a clear fascination with consumer culture, he also expressed his personal connection to the company. āI used to drink it [Campbellās Soup]. I used to have the same lunch every day, for twenty years, I guess, the same thing over and over again.ā
Warholās love for mass-production, advertising, and everyday commodities all morphed together to create these soup can prints. Although the Campbellās soup cans are arguably some of his most notable works, the artist received some backlash after showcasing his original Campbellās series. Due to the commercial subject matter of Warholās Soup Cans, many critics questioned the significance of his work. Fifty-nine years after their debut, people still may debate the value of Warhol’s soup cans. Nonetheless, they have since become treasured pieces of modern art history.
Despite the initial criticism Warhol received for his soup cans, the design ultimately launched his career. Andy Warholās soup cans soon became quintessential items of pop-art culture, and were instrumental in the new genre’s emergence. Still to this day, Warholās soup cans rule the pop-art world, with their bold design and breakthrough subject matter. Campbell’s Soup Cans II: Vegetarian Vegetable 56Ā is a powerful piece of Warhol’s legacy, and a cherished artifact of modern art history.
Photo Credits:
- Andy Warhol tracingĀ Campbellās SoupĀ silkscreen, The Factory, New York City, circa 1965 Ā© Estate of Nat Finkelstein Ā© 2021 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. / Licensed by DACS, London
- Andy Warhol and Gerard Malanga make a painting, 1964. Vintage gelatin silver print, 10Ā¼ Ć 14Ā¾ inches;Ā 26 Ć 38 cm. Photo by Matthew Marks.
- Andy Warhol,Ā 1964.Ā Vintage gelatin silver print,Ā 10Ā¼ Ć 14Ā¾ inches;Ā 26 Ć 38 cm. Photo by Matthew Marks.