Above: Full view of oil on board

Above: The work as it appeared in print for The Great Northern Railroad

Above: The artist’s signature

A colorful Western stylized 4th of July parade scene by the American Illustrator Edward V. Brewer, best known for his Cream of Wheat advertising works. The large, vibrant, oil-on-board painting features a bright color palette and inspired Main Street scene and was used as a travel poster by the Northern Pacific Railroad to promote travel to America’s rugged and daunting Rocky Mountains. The poster created from this illustration remains popular and is often reprinted–original printings turn up from time to time at auction. The text reads “Rodeo Parade – In the Montana Wyoming Dude Ranch Country.” From the Charles Martignette estate, the recently deceased author of “The Great American Pin-up.”

Above: Framed and matted behind glass in wide profile gesso gallery frame

Above: Frame detail

Above: Detail

A lost gem and rare surviving large scale important work from the Golden Age of American Illustration, this was in Mr. Martignette’s vast collection and was never considered a work that was for sale by the advanced collector. This original patriotic American painting should find traction among collectors of Native Americana themes and Western Americana as well as railroadiana aficionados.