268


FRED LUDEKENS (1900-1982)

SOUTHERN PACIFIC'S STREAMLINED DAYLIGHT LOS ANGELES - SAN FRANCISCO. 1937.


20 1/4x41 1/2 inches, 51 1/2x105 1/2 cm.
Condition B+: losses, small stains and staple holes along left margin; minor water stains in margins; abrasions along vertical folds; hand-signed by the artist.

In the 1930s, "streamlined trains were among the most striking, visible and accessible examples of Modernism" in America (Zega p. 104). "The streamliner was perfectly suited to the poster medium; its smooth airflow profile offered the prospect of a respite from America's stylistic preoccupation with realism" (ibid). The GS-2 locomotive (pictured here) was put into service in 1937; it was the first of its kind to bear the iconic red and orange color scheme. Trains, pulling 12 Pullman-Standard cars each, would leave Los Angeles and San Francisco at 8:15am every morning and arrive at their destinations simultaneously at 6pm. Pictured is engine #4410, the first GS-2 locomotive built for Southern Pacific.


  • Notes: From the collection of Victor Ryerson.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

August 3, 2023 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0-100,000:
30.0%
$100,001-1,000,000:
25.0%
$1,000,001+:
17.0%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000