Black Bean, from Campbell's Soup I, 1968

Andy Warhol, a central figure in the Pop Art movement, redefined the boundaries of fine art by elevating everyday commercial imagery into iconic works of cultural commentary. Known for his fascination with consumerism, celebrity, and mass production, Warhol blurred the lines between high and low art through his use of silkscreen printing and repetition. His Campbell’s Soup series, initiated in the early 1960s, remains one of the most recognizable and influential bodies of work in contemporary art. By appropriating the image of a supermarket staple, Warhol not only challenged traditional notions of artistic originality but also captured the essence of American identity during a time of rapidly shifting cultural values.

Black Bean, from the 1968 Campbell’s Soup I portfolio, is a quintessential example of Warhol’s vision. Executed as a screenprint in colors on smooth wove paper, this piece features the Campbell’s Black Bean Soup can rendered with graphic precision and subtle tonal variations. The print measures 35 x 23 inches and is signed in ball-point pen on the reverse, with a stamp-number from an edition of 250 (plus 26 artist proofs). Published by Factory Additions in New York, this work epitomizes Warhol’s embrace of seriality and branding, while also functioning as a bold aesthetic statement. Framed and presented with full margins, Black Bean is both a tribute to consumer culture and a timeless symbol of Warhol’s enduring legacy.