A Taste of Modernity: Andy Warhol's Soup I and Soup II Print Series

By Nana Japaridze

Executive Summary

This article explores Andy Warhol's iconic Soup I (1968) and Soup II (1969) print series, which transformed Campbell's Soup cans into fine art. Key points include:

• The historical context of Pop Art and Warhol's fascination with consumer goods
• A detailed overview of both series, including techniques and materials used
• The cultural and artistic significance of the works
• Their impact on the art market and contemporary culture
• Documentation in catalogues raisonnés and exhibition history

Introduction

Andy Warhol, a central figure in the Pop Art movement, is renowned for his ability to transform mundane commercial imagery into profound artistic statements. Among his most iconic works are the Soup I and Soup II print series, created in 1968 and 1969, respectively. These series not only highlight Warhol's fascination with consumer culture but also serve as a commentary on mass production and the ubiquity of everyday objects.

This article delves into the genesis of these print series, exploring their historical context, materials, artistic significance, and how they have been documented in catalogues raisonnés.

The Genesis of Pop Art and Warhol's Inspiration

Early Fascination with Consumer Products

In the early 1960s, Warhol began exploring themes centered around consumer goods and mass media. His interest in Campbell's Soup cans originated in 1962 when he exhibited 32 paintings at the Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles, each depicting a different flavor of Campbell's Soup. This exhibition marked a turning point in his career, shifting his focus from commercial illustration to fine art.

Warhol's choice of the soup can as a subject was both personal and symbolic. He once remarked, "I used to have the same lunch every day, for twenty years, I guess, the same thing over and over again." This daily ritual mirrored the repetitive nature of mass production and consumer habits.

Context of the 1960s Art Scene

The 1960s were a transformative period in the art world, with Pop Art emerging as a reaction against the emotional intensity of Abstract Expressionism. Artists like Roy Lichtenstein and Claes Oldenburg were incorporating imagery from popular culture, but Warhol's approach was distinct in its direct appropriation of commercial products.

His work challenged the traditional boundaries of art by blurring the lines between high art and everyday consumer goods. By choosing subjects that were instantly recognizable, Warhol democratized art, making it accessible to the general public.


Timeline of Key Events

• 1962: Warhol exhibits 32 Campbell's Soup can paintings at Ferus Gallery
• 1968: Creation of Soup I series
• 1969: Creation of Soup II series
• 1970s-1980s: Various exhibitions featuring the Soup series
• 1987: Warhol's death
• 1989: First major retrospective at MoMA including Soup series
• 2000s: Record-breaking auction sales of Soup prints
• 2018: Complete set of Soup I sold at Sotheby's for a substantial sum

Soup I and Soup II: Detailed Overview

Soup I (1968)

• Medium: Screenprint on paper
• Edition: Portfolio of 10 prints
• Dimensions: Each print measures approximately 35 x 23 inches (88.9 x 58.4 cm)
• Edition Size: 250 numbered prints, along with 26 artist's proofs marked A-Z
• Flavors Depicted: Black Bean, Beef, Tomato, Green Pea, Cream of Mushroom, Consommé (Beef), Bean with Bacon, Chicken Noodle, Pepper Pot, Onion

Soup II (1969)

• Medium: Screenprint on paper
• Edition: Portfolio of 10 prints
• Dimensions: Each print measures approximately 35 x 23 inches (88.9 x 58.4 cm)
• Edition Size: 250 numbered prints, along with 26 artist's proofs marked A-Z
• Flavors Depicted: Cheddar Cheese, Chicken 'N Dumplings, Vegetarian Vegetable, New England Clam Chowder, Oyster Stew, Scotch Broth, Vegetable Beef, Hot Dog Bean, Turkey Noodle, Golden Mushroom

Documentation and Catalogues Raisonnés

"Andy Warhol Prints: A Catalogue Raisonné 1962–1987"

Compiled by Frayda Feldman and Jörg Schellmann, this comprehensive catalogue documents all of Warhol's prints from 1962 to 1987. The Soup I and Soup II series are extensively detailed, providing invaluable information for collectors and scholars.
Details Provided:

• Edition sizes and variations
• Proofs and trial prints
• Publication and exhibition history
• High-quality reproductions of each print

Importance of Catalogues Raisonnés

Catalogues raisonnés are critical for authenticating artworks, understanding an artist's oeuvre, and studying the evolution of their techniques and themes. For Warhol's prints, they offer a definitive record that aids in provenance research and valuation.


Materials and Techniques

The Screenprinting Process

Warhol embraced screenprinting—a method traditionally used for commercial purposes—as his primary artistic technique. This choice was intentional, aligning with his interest in mass production and repetition. Screenprinting involves transferring ink onto paper through a mesh screen, allowing for the creation of multiple identical images.

Choice of Materials

• Paper: High-quality, acid-free paper was used to ensure the longevity of the prints.
• Inks: Synthetic polymer paints provided vibrant and consistent colors.
• Technique: Warhol often utilized a photographic silkscreen process, which allowed him to replicate images with precision while still introducing slight variations.

Artistic Approach

By using screenprinting, Warhol minimized the artist's hand in the creation process, emphasizing the mechanical reproduction of images. This method echoed his famous statement, "I want to be a machine," highlighting his desire to eliminate personal expression in favor of uniformity.


Iconography and Imagery

The Campbell's Soup Can as an Icon

The Campbell's Soup can is a quintessential symbol of American consumer culture. Warhol's depiction of the soup cans elevated this ordinary object to the realm of fine art. Each print in the Soup I and Soup II series focuses on a single can, meticulously rendered to capture every detail of the label.

Color and Composition

While the original soup can labels were predominantly red and white, Warhol experimented with background colors in these series, especially in Soup II, where he introduced bolder and contrasting hues. This variation added a dynamic quality to the prints, drawing attention to the design elements of the cans.

Cultural and Artistic Significance

Commentary on Consumerism

Warhol's soup can series serves as a powerful commentary on mass production and the commodification of everyday life. By presenting a familiar consumer product in an art context, he challenged viewers to reconsider their relationship with commonplace objects.

Blurring the Lines Between Art and Commerce

By appropriating commercial imagery, Warhol questioned the distinctions between high art and popular culture. His work suggested that art could be found in the most ordinary places and that commercial products could possess aesthetic value.

Influence on Contemporary Art

The Soup I and Soup II series have had a lasting impact on contemporary art, influencing artists who explore themes of consumerism, branding, and mass media. Warhol's approach opened the door for future generations to incorporate commercial and popular imagery into their work.

Market and Collectibility

Rising Value and Demand

Original prints from the Soup I and Soup II series have become highly sought after in the art market. Their value has appreciated significantly over the years, reflecting both Warhol's enduring legacy and the series' iconic status.

Notable Sales and Auctions

• In 2018, a complete set of Soup I sold for a substantial sum at Sotheby's, highlighting the strong demand among collectors.
• Individual prints, especially those in excellent condition or with unique variations, have fetched high prices at major auction houses.

Limited Editions

The limited edition sizes of 250, along with artist's proofs, contribute to the series' collectibility. The scarcity of these prints, combined with their historical significance, makes them valuable assets in the art market.


Exhibitions and Legacy

Major Exhibitions

The Soup I and Soup II series have been exhibited in prestigious museums worldwide, including:

• The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York
• Tate Modern, London
• The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh
• National Gallery of Australia

These exhibitions have introduced Warhol's work to diverse audiences, solidifying his reputation as a pivotal figure in modern art.

Influence on Popular Culture

Warhol's soup cans have transcended the art world, becoming ingrained in popular culture. They have been referenced in various media, from fashion to advertising, underscoring their widespread recognition.

Educational Impact

The series is frequently studied in art history and cultural studies courses, serving as a prime example of Pop Art and its exploration of consumerism and mass media.


Conclusion

Andy Warhol's Soup I and Soup II print series are more than just representations of a familiar consumer product; they are profound statements on modern society and the nature of art itself. By transforming the mundane into the extraordinary, Warhol challenged viewers to see beauty and meaning in everyday objects.

These series encapsulate the essence of the Pop Art movement, highlighting themes of mass production, consumer culture, and the blurring of boundaries between commercial and fine art. Through his innovative techniques and provocative subject matter, Warhol left an indelible mark on the art world—a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate today.

References

1. Feldman, Frayda, and Jörg Schellmann. Andy Warhol Prints: A Catalogue Raisonné 1962–1987. Distributed Art Publishers, 2003.
2. Bockris, Victor. The Life and Death of Andy Warhol. Bantam Books, 1989.
3. Bourdon, David. Warhol. Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1989.
4. The Andy Warhol Museum. www.warhol.org
5. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). www.moma.org
6. Dean, Martin. "The Story of Andy Warhol's 'Campbell's Soup Cans'." Sotheby's, 2018.
7. Johnson, Ken. "Andy Warhol: 'Colored Campbell's Soup Cans'." The New York Times, 2011.
8. Choi, Candice. "Campbell's Soup Cans Channel Andy Warhol." Montgomery Advertiser, 2012.
9. Gopnik, Blake. Warhol: A Life as Art. Allen Lane, 2020.
10. "Andy Warhol, Campbell's Soup I, 1968." Museum of Modern Art Collection.