Pan-American Exposition

Edward Penfield's "Pan-American Exposition" captures a lively scene at a grand fair, characterized by a style typical of early 20th-century poster art. At the center and dominating the backdrop is an ornate architectural structure, possibly a tower or main building of the exposition, illustrated with intricate detailing and topped with a statue. This building, rendered in warm tones of orange and cream, stands out against a softly clouded sky.In the foreground, a diverse array of people is depicted, suggesting the bustling, cosmopolitan nature of the exposition. The figures are stylized with an emphasis on the fashion of the period, evident in the details of their clothing and accessories. There is an elegantly dressed woman seated in a wicker wheelchair on the left, her attire and demeanour reflecting the genteel fashion of the time. Standing around her are several men and another woman, all dressed in the characteristic styles of the early 1900s—long coats, hats, and formal wear, indicating both the formality of the occasion and the cooler weather suggested by their attire.The color palette is limited yet impactful, with the use of black, white, and shades of orange providing both contrast and a sense of unity in the composition. Penfield's design is clean and direct, typical of his work as a graphic artist.