MILLARD SHEEETS (1907-1989) "American President's Line Wine List." Illustration for menu, circa 1950. Gouache on Bristol board. Signed in lower right image.
Millard Sheets was a prominent figure in the California Scene Painting movement, which depicted the everyday life and landscapes of California. Sheets' work is characterized by vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and a keen sense of narrative, all of which he brought to his commercial projects.
In the 1950s, Sheets was commissioned to design a series of menus for The American Presidents Line's passenger ships. The APL cruise line was known for its high standards and opulence, incorporating aesthetic elements that reflected the company's prestige. Sheets' intricate designs celebrated maritime themes, American history, and exotic destinations. These menus, now considered collectible items, were more than mere lists of food items; they were works of art that encapsulated the elegance and sophistication of the APL brand.
