PO bcs 52 1925 Excelsior c Patrick van der Strict

The composition presents a striking juxtaposition of modernity and tradition, rendered in a palette dominated by ochre, cream, and deep green. Here we see a sleek, red automobile positioned prominently in the foreground, its streamlined form suggesting speed and progress. The vehicles design is characteristic of early 20th-century automotive aesthetics – low profile, enclosed cabin, and spoked wheels.
Behind this modern machine, a scene unfolds that evokes a sense of aristocratic ceremony. A horse-drawn carriage, elaborately decorated with gold accents and occupied by figures in formal attire, appears to be receding into the background. The presence of what seems to be a royal crest above the carriage further reinforces this impression of high status and established order.
The backdrop is deliberately ambiguous – a hazy, almost dreamlike landscape rendered in muted tones. A dense cluster of trees on the right side frames the scene, while a soft light source illuminates the foreground, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. The overall effect is one of deliberate contrast: the automobile represents a new era of transportation and social mobility, while the carriage symbolizes an older, more hierarchical world.
The text AUTOMOBILES EXCELSIOR positioned at the top reinforces this narrative, associating the vehicle with notions of excellence and advancement. The smaller inscription below the carriage likely denotes official endorsement or patronage, further emphasizing the connection between the automobile and established authority.
Subtly, the painting suggests a transition – a visual commentary on the changing social landscape of the time. It is not merely an advertisement; its a statement about progress, luxury, and the displacement of tradition by modernity. The artist has skillfully employed symbolism to convey these complex ideas within a visually appealing and memorable design.