Andy Warhol - Campbell's Soup Cans II: Hot Dog Bean (FS II.59)

Original Campbell's Soup Cans Print by Andy Warhol

Campbell’s Soup Cans II: Hot Dog Bean 59 by Andy Warhol is a print included in his Campbell’s Soup Cans II Complete Portfolio from 1969. This collection is a continuation of Campbell’s Soup Cans I from 1968, with ten more prints featuring other flavors and Warhol’s own illustrations. When Warhol debuted his original 32 Campbell’s Soup Cans in 1962, the commercial subject matter shocked his audience. Since then, the soups have become some of the most important images in modern art history. Ultimately, Warhol’s soup cans are a commentary on the commodification of art, and represent a new source of artistic inspiration. Warhol wanted to draw attention towards untapped sources of artistic power, steering away from common concepts like nature and emotion.

The Campbell’s Soup Cans II portfolio is one of Warhol’s most beloved and valuable print series of all time. It has the same trademark design Americans know and love, but with the bonus of new graphics. In place of the traditional Campbell’s golden seal, Warhol created unique illustrations for each label. Campbell’s Soup Cans II: Hot Dog Bean 59 shows a banner which reads “Stout Hearted Soup,” held up by two Queen’s Guard soldiers. The front of the soup can also reads, “Hot Dog Bean – Tender Beans and Little Frankfurter Slices”. This new design compliments the previous traditional soup cans, but stays true to the repetitive appearance which Warhol appreciated.