Offset lithograph on thin linen canvas (Chanel Advertisements from Paris Buses).

Chanel N˚5,” printed under the auspices of the estate of Andy Warhol, comes from the artist’s "Ads" portfolio based on popular advertising campaigns and logos in American culture. Chanel No. 5, created by Ernest Beaux for Coco Chanel in 1921, became a product synonymous with sophistication and luxury, two qualities Warhol hoped to instill with his work. The rich hues of blue, red, and gold, and green brings this simple rectangular bottle to life. Due to the underlining criticism present throughout Warhol’’s oeuvre, works such as ‘”Chanel N˚5”’ have become modern day vanitas, alerting viewers to their own mortality and the superficiality of consumerism. The Chanel No. 5 perfume bottle stood alone as a product synonymous with sophistication and luxury. Today, Chanel perfume remains a household name, just as it was during the Warhol era. In 1997, Chanel revisited the image, with the Warhol Foundation's permission, for use in an advertising campaign that year. Many of these posters appeared on buses and public transportation throughout Paris. It is not known how many were printed, or how many remain today, but this gorgeous suite of four French vintage posters was done in a limited edition. They are considered very desirable, and has sold at public auction for nearly $5,000 USD - with the price expected to become notably higher as these become even more scarce.
--Courtesy of Alpha 137 Gallery