There are many elements that could be pointed out as the purpose of this composition.
One, would be describing the purpose of this '57 Vette by the dash. Specifically the position of the tach, here at dash center which shows it's a customer road car. This is significant as it has the hottest engine package.
Both relevant to composition, but contributing.
Another strong element of this photo is the intense chromatic character of the shot created by the glowing orange red of the metal surfaces, inside and out in the afternoon light. Echoed by the matching carpet and leather. With balancing relief of the white metal of the dash and steering column, and fabric of the top softening the intensity.
All anchored by the full circle steering wheel. Accented by the polished steel of its three spokes, with graduated holes. This is a clear period sports car statement.
There are two compositional elements here, though subtle, that really define the car and composition. The first is the fuely air filter beyond the curve of the period speedboat windshield. As mentioned, this was the hottest engine package available, and this at a time when a couple of four barrels were accepted as the pinnacle of American V8 performance.
The second looks like a mere composition accent: the image of the button reflected in the rearview. This brings to focus a major character element of Harley Earl's Motorama design.
We will examine this further on the next page.
Digital Gallery
