Ride a Stearns and be content (1896) by Edward Penfield. Custom Print on a 100% Airlume Combed and Ring-Spun Cotton Unisex Crewneck T-shirt Original Aspect Ratio

Edward Penfield's "Ride a Stearns and be content" (1896) stands as a quintessential example of the American poster art movement during the late 19th century. Penfield, often hailed as the father of the American poster, was a pivotal figure in the transition from the Victorian to the modern era of graphic design. Born in 1866 in Brooklyn, New York, Penfield's career blossomed at a time when the United States was experiencing rapid industrial growth and cultural shifts.

"Ride a Stearns and be content" is a vibrant lithograph that captures the spirit of the burgeoning cycling craze of the 1890s. Penfield's style is characterized by bold lines, flat colors, and a keen eye for composition, which were influenced by the Art Nouveau movement and Japanese woodblock prints. His work often exuded a sense of leisure and modernity, reflecting the optimistic ethos of the Gilded Age.

In this particular piece, Penfield employs a harmonious blend of color and typography to convey the joy and freedom associated with cycling. The poster not only advertises the Stearns bicycle but also encapsulates the era's fascination with new technologies and the allure of an active lifestyle. The artwork is a testament to Penfield's ability to merge commercial appeal with artistic integrity, and it remains a significant artifact of advertising art. The original piece is currently part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serving as a window into the cultural zeitgeist of its time.

Artist Name: Edward Penfield

Artwork Name: Ride a Stearns and be content

Artwork Date: 1896

Artist Nationality: American

Artistic Style or Movement: Art Nouveau

Genre: Advertising Poster

Period: Late 19th Century

Medium: Lithograph

Technique: Printmaking

Cultural and Geographic Context: United States

Thematic or Conceptual Context: Promotion of Bicycling and Modernity

Artist's Intent and Context: To advertise Stearns bicycles and convey a sense of leisure and modern lifestyle

Formal elements and Composition: Bold lines

flat areas of color

and simplified forms.

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