www.gnrsource.comThe cover design is done by Mike Kostabi, who took out a piece of the painting titled "La scuola di Atene" (The School of Athens) and edited it. The original picture was drawn by Raffaello Sanzio, in 1509-10, and you can see Platon and Aristotle on the picture (though not on the album cover). The back cover was shot by Robert John, who had less than half an hour to shoot it - something he'd been working on for over a month.
Slash: "Use Your Illusion" is the title of a painting by some controversial artist. I don't know who. I've never heard of him. I don't keep up with art circles. But that's the name of this painting that Axl bought, and he said, 'Let's make this the cover of the album.' Like the last album cover, we just said, 'Fine,' no discussion.
Mike Kostabi: The band was already huge and I knew that it would put me in another stratosphere of exposure. I knew that it would give me more credibility with the younger, general public but I was surprised to discover that the owner of 303 Gallery suddenly showed me a little admiration and respect.
Mike Kostabi: I'm glad my signature is clearly visible and since my painting is an interpretation of a detail from Raphael's School of Athens, it gives me an amusing personal doorway into learning more about art history.