Richard Erdoes , Mid Century Expressway Proposal Over Norman Rockwell Town, ca. 1950

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
Richard Erdoes, American, 1912–2008
Pen and ink and gouache on Strathmore Paper
23 - 29 inches
US$16,000 Plus shipping