Fifth Avenue (View of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum)
Painting on canvas • Charles Fazzino (American, b. 1955)
Style & Movement
Pop Art / Neo-Pop / 3D Pop Art. The style is characterized by a maximalist aesthetic, 'whimsical' urban folk art influences, and a comic-book-like vibrancy.
Medium & Technique
Acrylic and relief medium on canvas. The artist utilizes '3D' relief techniques where lines are raised (impasto or textured gel) to create a stained-glass or cloisonné effect, combined with vibrant flat color fills.
Creation Period
Late 20th to Early 21st Century (Circa 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 40 x 30 inches; Large-scale vertical (portrait) format.
Subject Description
A high-angle bird's-eye view of Fifth Avenue in New York City, featuring the iconic spiral architecture of the Guggenheim Museum on the left. The composition captures the bustling energy of Manhattan with yellow taxis, multicolored cars, and surrounding architecture rendered in a distorted, playful perspective.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent. The surface appears vibrant with no visible pigment loss, cracking of the relief lines, or sagging of the canvas.
Estimated Market Value
$10,000 – $18,000 USD (based on original paintings of similar scale and complexity)
Auction Estimate
$7,000 – $12,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a contemporary art gallery or directly from the artist's studio. Fazzino's work is widely distributed through specialized Pop Art galleries globally.
Art Historical Significance
Fazzino is the pioneer of 3D Pop Art. This piece is significant for its depiction of a landmark New York institution (the Guggenheim), reflecting the artist's long-standing obsession with New York cityscapes and his role in making contemporary art accessible and celebratory of urban life.
Notable Features
Heavy use of 'glitter' or metallic accents within specific color fields (typical of Fazzino), high-contrast black outlining that mimics leaded glass, and a unique 'funhouse' perspective that collapses the depth of the city onto a flat plane.
Condition Issues
None visible in the image. Potential risks include dust accumulation within the relief textures or UV fading if not protected by Museum Glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment with stable humidity. Use UV-protective glazing if moved to a brighter room. Light dusting with a soft, natural hair brush is recommended for the textured surface.