In this Post Cereal advertisement artwork from 1958, the subjects' exaggerated smiles, caught at the peak of hyper-happiness, were just what the chef ordered. The creative team at the ad agency set the stage for this artwork and had illustrator Richard Sargent create a visual that projects a state of high-energy euphoria and overwhelming joy, with facial expressions and body language that highlight the nutritious pick-me-up quality of their breakfast product. When viewed from today's perspective, with its mid-century Madison Avenue oversell, the scene moves from advertising art to Surrealism. Clearly, this image is not an objective account of reality. It's invented reality. People do not actually get this excited after eating a bowl of Grape Nuts Cereal. A reassessment of the artwork's nature and its categorization could be appropriate.
Post Cereal advertisement, 1958, widely published.
Signed upper right: Dick Sargent
One stray black pin dot at center right edge of figure's shirt. Wear and markings to margins of board in keeping with illustration and publishing process. Framed under glass.
Framed Dimensions 25 X 29 Inches
The present work is accompanied by a magazine tearsheet from the inside cover of Life Magazine
Richard Sargent 1911–1978
Gouache, Pencil on Illustration Board
14 - 16 inches $12500 Plus Shipping
