Andy Warhol (1928-1987) Absolut Vodka, 1985 Offset lithograph in colors on wove paper 44-3/4 x 36-1/2 inches (113.7 x 92.7 cm) (sight) Presumably one of a small number of signed proofs Signed in pencil lower right Published by Carillon Importers Ltd., New Jersey Michel Roux (1940 - 2019) was a pioneering entrepreneur credited with the remarkable success of the vodka brand Absolut. With a forward-thinking passion and instinct, he played a pivotal role in integrating high-end spirits into modern culture. His deep appreciation for food, drink, and art led him to understand that merging these elements would weave them into the fabric of contemporary life. Roux had a natural talent for branding and timing. In the late seventies and early eighties, he recognized the excitement of pop art in the art world, particularly with influential figures like Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Kenny Scharf. These artists were cultivating a new wave of collectors, and Roux sensed that these collectors also had a penchant for luxury items, including fine spirits. He capitalized on this cultural momentum by collaborating with Warhol and Haring to express their passion for the spirits he promoted. The design of the bottles, packaging, and promotional collectible items reflected this artistic vision, sparking a unique marketing movement that continues today. Roux's campaign to elevate the distribution of Absolut vodka took shape at The Captain's Table, a restaurant near the United Nations owned and managed by Biagio Musso. The restaurant attracted many notable figures, including Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Erté, Beyoncé, and Paul Simon. By the early eighties, with Musso's support, Roux celebrated the U.S. launch of the new Absolut vodka, paving the way for its eventual dominance in the global spirits market. The friendship between these two European émigrés—Michel Roux from France and Biagio Musso from Italy—was commemorated by Roux's personal gift of this signed Warhol poster to Musso. This color lithograph presents a rare opportunity for our Heritage clients, to own a pop art piece with significant history and stellar provenance. -Denise Bibro Fine Art, NYC, October, 2024 HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice
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