Ride A Stearns And Be Content

In Edward Penfield's artwork titled "Ride a Stearns and Be Content," we see a stylish portrayal of a woman elegantly riding a bicycle. This image is characteristic of the Art Nouveau style popular around the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which Penfield played a significant role in popularizing through his graphic design work.The painting features bold, flat areas of color and strong outlines, which are typical of Penfield’s poster art. The woman is depicted in profile, gracefully seated on a golden bicycle while managing her dress and looking ahead. Her dress is black with a pattern of bright, intersecting lines, which contrasts sharply against her white blouse and her light-colored hat, which has a simple but elegant band.The background is a textured gray, on which the text, “Ride a Stearns and be content,” is prominently integrated. The text serves as both an advertisement and a bold statement, suggesting that riding a Stearns bicycle—a leading brand at the time—brings happiness and satisfaction.This piece is notable for its clean lines, effective use of color blocks, and the seamless integration of text and image, creating a compelling advertisement and a striking piece of art. Penfield’s work often reflected and influenced contemporary fashion, transportation, and advertising. Thus, this painting not only represents an aesthetic choice but also serves as a cultural artifact reflecting the era’s social and technological advancements.