The artwork titled “Bus with Reflection of the Flatiron Building,” created by Richard Estes between 1966 and 1967, is a quintessential example of the Photorealism art movement and encapsulates the genre of cityscape. This particular piece exemplifies the meticulous detail and precision associated with Photorealism, showcasing an urban scene that highlights the reflective surfaces and intricate textures of a city environment.
In the artwork, the viewer is presented with a highly detailed and realistic depiction of a bus, with its polished metal surface reflecting the iconic Flatiron Building. The bus’s exterior, with its riveted panels and crisp lines, occupies a central portion of the composition, while the reflection of the Flatiron Building is seen on a sleek, dark-colored vehicle in the foreground. The precision in the rendering of light and shadow, coupled with the reflective quality of both the bus and the vehicle, underscores Estes’ masterful technique and attention to detail. A human figure is barely discernible through the bus window, adding a subtle human element to the otherwise mechanical and architectural focus of the composition. The overall effect is a striking and lifelike representation of an urban moment, frozen in time.
