The artwork, titled “Advertisement for Pope Manufacturing Co ‘We are Having a Heavenly Time,'” was created by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge circa 1890. This piece falls under the Kitsch art movement and is categorized specifically as an advertisement.
The artwork depicts a monkey riding a bicycle with a parrot perched on the handlebars. The scene takes place on a winding, mountainous path, suggesting a sense of adventure and joy as depicted by the vibrant expressions of the two animals. The sign beside the path reads “Columbia Bicycle Pope Mfg. Co.,” indicating the promotional nature of the piece. The tagline “We are Having a Heavenly Time!” emphasizes the delightful experience of navigating through a scenic landscape with Columbia bicycles. The painting’s playful and whimsical approach is characteristic of Kitsch, aiming to evoke a sense of charm and amusement.
