Ads + Art = Parody (Historic)

     Instead of using pieces of fine art as readymade materials for print advertisements, sometimes advertising agencies use the composition of famous works of art and architecture as inspiration for their own ads. A campaign from the 19-Auts for Ivory Soap exemplifies a simple way to incorporate a product into a work of art. The two ads shown below are from a campaign of print ads where the advertisers used the iconic image of bars of Ivory soap to “rebuild” famous landmarks from around the world (shown are representations of The Arc du Triumphe in Paris and the Great Pyramids in Giza).

     Perhaps the advertisers mean to insinuate that Ivory soap is so important to people and the world that it is literally the building block upon which great things are built, such as these structures. Maybe instead the advertisers were attempting to elevate the status of the brand, as discussed before, to bring it to the level of something worthy of praise and awe like the monuments. Whatever the motivation, the finished product is arresting and visually appealing.

Suggested Target Audience: Male and Female Cultured Travellers

Suggested Modern-Day Media Vehicle:Travel + Leisure Magazine Website

Rationale: Ads with monuments from around the world would likely more resonate with those who have traveled or would like to travel in the future.