Chanel No. 5 (from Ad Series)
Print, specifically a color screenprint on Lenox Museum Board • After Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987)
Style & Movement
Pop Art
Medium & Technique
Screenprint with commercial-grade inks, utilizing Andy Warhol's signature mechanical reproduction technique which simplifies the subject into bold color fields and graphic outlines.
Creation Period
Original portfolio 1985; this specific example likely a modern exhibition poster or high-quality after-market reproduction based on the integrated text and white frame.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 38 x 30 inches; Portrait format
Subject Description
A stylized depiction of the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume bottle set against a graduated red-to-lavender background. The composition elevates a mass-produced luxury consumer good to the status of high art through repetition of the 'Chanel' logo and graphic simplification.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears flat within its frame with no visible foxing or significant fading, though it is viewed behind glass which may hide minor undulations.
Estimated Market Value
$500 - $1,500 (assuming high-quality authorized poster); Original signed/numbered 1985 screenprints can exceed $100,000.
Auction Estimate
$300 - $800
Provenance History
Unknown; likely purchased from a museum shop or contemporary art gallery. No visible labels are present on the front to indicate specific auction or gallery lineage.
Art Historical Significance
The 'Ads' portfolio represents Warhol's late-career exploration of the relationship between commerce and art. By focusing on Chanel No. 5, he bridged the gap between French luxury and American consumerism, cementing the perfume's status as a global icon.
Notable Features
Includes the printed facsimile signature of Andy Warhol at the lower left. The integrated 'CHANEL' text at the bottom differentiates this as a poster format rather than a sheet from the original limited edition portfolio.
Condition Issues
Potential light-strike/UV fading due to the red pigments being highly sensitive to light. The reflections in the image suggest standard glass is used rather than museum-grade UV-protective glazing.
Conservation Recommendations
Re-frame with 99% UV-protective glass (Museum Glass) and acid-free archival matting. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the red and pink hues.