Lot 389
Rare Vintage Original Artwork For the Pennsylvania Railroad "Western Vacation". The Pennsylvania Railroad was one of the earliest and largest railroads in the history of the U.S. Founded in 1846, and referred to as "The Pennsy, it became, in the first half of the 20th century, the largest railroad company in the country through the acquisitions and mergers of hundreds of smaller railroads. Truly its only rival at the time was the New York Central railway to which it ultimately merged. But the 1960s saw the collapse of giant rail systems and the company ceased to exist. But for almost 100 years, it proved the mightiest of rail companies, employing at its peak, a quarter million people. Offered here is an original water color for a concept poster for the westbound passenger rail system of the Pennsy. Promising adventures of the Old West, poster plays on the word lasso and features a cowgirl on a magnificent horse. By all evidence, it appears to be the work of Milton Menasco who did in fact have a different poster printed for the campaign with the style in both quite similar. Fantastic period appeal of the woman and an exceptional rendering of the horse. 39 x 25" painted on Whitman board. The outer edges have had chipping and minor staining. However, the actual art is in quite fine condition, with beautiful vibrant colors. The edge blemishes could easily be matted out in the framing. Just a remarkable piece of original illustrated art, approaching 80 years, for one of the all time great railways in U.S. history. Estimated Value $600 - 1,200
|
| |
| Realized $375 |
