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Richard Erdoes
Mid Century Expressway Proposal Over Norman Rockwell Town

1950s

About the Item

Artist Richard Erdoes is as undervalued as he is overlooked. Rarely does an artwork come on that market that combines sharp-witted originality with mind-boggling technical proficiency. In “Mid-Century Expressway,” Erodes painstakingly draws a birds-eye view of a Norman Rockwell-like town buzzing with activity. He paints far away and close up in one image. Each block has its own charming Americana story unfolding. The closer the viewer gets to each scene, the more detail is revealed. In black and white, the artist describes not only the architecture and infrastructure but also human activity - lot's of it. Erodes’s congested town is humming. Overflowing trains, packed busses, zooming cars, stuffed trucks, frenzied pedestrians and even a marching band is depicted with great whit. But do not worry. Progress is coming and all will be well. Superimposed onto this black and white clogged urban scene is a proposed new highway. It's painted in a punchy green and creates an unexpectedly distinct design. The artwork was most likely done for Fortune Magazine or the like. Notice he Esso Gasoline signs. In 1973, Standard Oil of New Jersey renamed itself Exxon It is signed Erdoes on the hood of the steamroller as a happy operator waves with an out reached arm. For better or worse modernity is coming to Americana. Unframed
  • Creator:
    Richard Erdoes (1912 - 2008, American)
  • Creation Year:
    1950s
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 23 in (58.42 cm)Width: 29 in (73.66 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Good, some undulation to paper with scattered toning and soiling.
  • Gallery Location:
    Miami, FL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU385314931702

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