Atherton, 19,5 x 30

According to Sullivan Goss, John AthertonÕs commercial and illustrative work was characterized by strong draftsmanship and precise composition. ÊAtherton had no shame in blurring the line between commercial and fine art, though illustrators were (and still are) often considered lesser artists. He said in his statement for the seminal 1943 Museum of Modern Art exhibition, American Realists and Magic Realists, ÒAny painting lives or will last because it is well painted, regardless of whether it is a potato or a human body. By this I do not mean mere technical dexterity but painting which builds the spirit of the forms.Ó For his fine art gallery pieces, Atherton retained the defined forms from his technical commercial experience but instead placed his subjects in surrealist situations. Atherton was highly influenced by the magic realist movement that had roots in European surrealism but carried distinctly American undertones. While other magic realists, such as John Wilde, focused on themes of agriculture and fertility, Atherton often opted for more industrial landscapes. His practiced exactitude aided him in this effort ... But, while we may not comprehend the precise meaning behind the Òspirit of the formsÓ in AthertonÕs surrealist works, there is still a palpable energy and gravitas within the compositions. Indeed, from advertisements and posters with clear messages to obscure surrealist landscapes, AthertonÕs range of communication is evident and consistently powerful.' This poster has been hailed as one of Atherton's most impressive works: It is clean, it is precise, and it uses the most recognizable landmarks with the most impact. It is, in short, quite perfect.
item# 1003

Art (paintings, prints, frames)
Vintage Posters