Edward Penfield, while best known as the father of the American poster, was simply a master of graphic design and illustration. He studied at the Art Student’s League. Upon graduation he immediately found a job at Harper’s and served as the art director between 1891 and 1901. For five of those ten years he turned out a poster for each month’s issue. After leaving he continued to illustrate magazine covers and posters. His style was bold and called for a limited palette. Though he enjoyed critical acclaim in his lifetime, he may be even more appreciated today. His work is considered classical examples of the genre.
Here is a small sample of his magazine cover illustrations.
