1942 Pontiac Advertisement Artwork like Norman Rockwell America, 1942 Pontiac Advertisement

John Gould
Norman Rockwell's America comes alive in this 1942 Pontiac advertisement by contemporaneous illustrator John Gould. The work is quintessentially American, marked by a small-town street scene of shopkeepers, mailmen, and local onlookers. Front and center is a shiny new 1942 black Pontiac, garnering all the gleeful attention. Stylistically, the painting employs a high level of realism, emphasising every detail. Bricks, typography, and facial expressions are all masterfully executed and act as supporting roles to the car, which may be a precursor to the Photorealism Art movement of the early 1980s. The appeal of this work lies not only in the nostalgic nature of the subject matter but also in artist John Gould's careful observation and highly polished execution. In person, the work looks even better.
Pontiac advertisement, 1942
Oil on board
22-1/2 x 28 inches (57.1 x 71.1 cm) (sight)
Signed lower right: John F. Gould

The Bob and Diane Yaspan Collection

PROVENANCE:
Previously from the Estate of Charles Martignette.
Condition Report*:
Very faint areas of craquelure primarily visible in car under raking light. UV examined. Wear and markings to board in keeping with illustration and publishing process. Framed under glass, not examined outside of frame.
Framed Dimensions 26 X 31 Inches
US$18,000 Plus shipping