Fifth Avenue and the Guggenheim
Painting on canvas • Charles Fazzino (in his distinctive flat-canvas or early layout style) or a follower in the Pop Art/Naive tradition.
Style & Movement
Pop Art / Neo-Fauvism / Naive Art characterized by bright, non-naturalistic colors and a playful, bird's-eye perspective.
Medium & Technique
Oil or heavy acrylic paint with thick impasto; utilize bold black outlines reminiscent of stained glass or cloisonné techniques.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (c. 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 40 x 30 inches; vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
An aerial, stylized view of Manhattan's Fifth Avenue featuring the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (Frank Lloyd Wright design) on the left. The composition is filled with colorful cars, bustling streets, and vibrant urban architecture under a high-angle perspective.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the colors remain vibrant and the thick impasto texture is well-preserved with no visible signs of cracking or UV damage.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 - $8,000
Auction Estimate
$3,000 - $6,000
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a contemporary gallery specializing in Pop Art or 3D construction art; currently in a private residential collection.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the democratization of art through the Pop-Folk movement; captures iconic NYC landmarks through a whimsical, accessible lens that bridges commercial illustration and fine art.
Notable Features
Highly textural application of paint on the museum dome; use of hard-edged black linework to create a 'glow' effect for the colors; inclusion of very specific architectural details like the museum's spiral and skylight.
Condition Issues
None visible; surface appears stable with consistent paint film and no signs of mechanical stress.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight to prevent pigment fading. Professional dusting with a soft brush specifically for impasto surfaces.