To celebrate its 153 years of existence, the Old Lady of Bori Bunder published a Lintas created advertisement that many, including the Advertising Council Standards of India, thought to be unbecoming of the Old Lady.
The ad that stirred a controversy was published in a celebratory supplement in the November 3, 1991 issue of The Times of India.
The advertisement showed a closeup of the crotch of Michelangelo’s masterpiece sculpture David, that stands at the Galleria dell’Accademia, Florence, Italy. The copy beneath says, “Contrary to popular belief ads, too, don’t need to be big to be effective. You noticed this one, didn’t you?” in an obvious reference to David’s penis, one of the world’s most famous phalluses. The size of David’s member has been a matter of discussion and debate over the centuries.
IT’S LIKE A GREAT AD
Contrary to popular belief ads, too, don’t need to be big to be effective.
You noticed this one, didn’t you?
A big happy birthday to The Times of India
The great Leonardo da Vinci is also believed to have suggested that David’s nudity be covered up.
Following protests, The Times of India apologised for publishing the advertisement. The ad was also termed as sexist and was accused of trivialising Michelangelo creation.
Morality apart, this was a good copy. It definitely did catch my attention and also elicited a chuckle.
One comment
Great ads, Michelangelo’s David’s penis and The Times of India