Edward Penfield

United States 1866 - 1925
Edward Penfield, born on June 2, 1866, and passing away on March 29, 1925, was an esteemed American illustrator and graphic designer, celebrated for his significant contributions to the Golden Age of American Illustration. Often referred to as a father figure in the field of poster art, Penfield's work is synonymous with the iconic cover designs he created for Harper's Monthly Magazine during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Penfield's artistic journey began at the Art Students League of New York, where he honed his skills under the tutelage of notable artists. His unique style blended elements of flat color planes, minimalistic compositions, and bold outlines, which came to define the aesthetic of the periodical arts. He mastered the art of conveying complex narratives and capturing the essence of contemporary life through seemingly simple yet striking images that could engage passersby from a distance. His illustrations for Harper's covers are particularly noteworthy; they often depicted fashionable urbanites and scenes from everyday life, encapsulating the spirit of the Gilded Age. The crispness of his linework, combined with his sophisticated use of color and negative space, set new standards in commercial design. These covers served not only as promotional tools but also as cultural reflections, embodying the era's optimism, progress, and burgeoning consumer culture. In addition to his magazine work, Penfield designed advertisements, book jackets, and stained glass windows, showcasing his versatility across various media. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, inspiring generations of artists and designers with his innovative approach to composition and visual storytelling. His legacy is evident in the development of the modernist movement and the evolution of advertising graphics into a recognized art form. Throughout his career, Edward Penfield maintained a commitment to excellence and innovation, ensuring that his body of work remains a cornerstone of American graphic design history. Today, his posters are highly collectible, and his pioneering methods continue to resonate within the realms of both fine art and commercial design.

Collection of Works(Page 1)

1897 January, February, March,Edward Penfield,Illustration,Illustration, 1girl, dress, yellow dress
1897 January, February, March
Resolution: 2545 × 3537 px
A Philadelphia light horse trooper, 1775,Edward Penfield,Illustration,Illustration, weapon, male focus, sword
A Philadelphia light horse trooper, 1775
Resolution: 4435 × 4624 px
Advertisement for Hart, Schaffner & Marx clothes,Edward Penfield,Illustration,Illustration, multiple boys
Advertisement for Hart, Schaffner & Marx clothes
Resolution: 3100 × 3992 px
Arrow washed handkerchiefs,Edward Penfield,Illustration,Illustration, 1boy, male focus, necktie, solo
Arrow washed handkerchiefs
Resolution: 4046 × 2136 px
A Kentucky breaking cart,Edward Penfield,Illustration,Illustration, riding, horse, black hair, 1girl, solo
A Kentucky breaking cart
Resolution: 4240 × 2989 px
About Paris,Edward Penfield,Illustration,Illustration, no humans, cat, animal focus, english text, animal
About Paris
Resolution: 2424 × 3738 px
Aetna dynamite,Edward Penfield,Illustration,Illustration, 1boy, male focus, solo, black hair, hat, parody
Aetna dynamite
Resolution: 3021 × 4075 px
Arrow washed handkerchiefs, clean and soft in sanitary packages,Edward Penfield,Illustration,Illustration
Arrow washed handkerchiefs, clean and soft in sanitary packages
Resolution: 4047 × 2145 px
A Kodak Christmas,Edward Penfield,Illustration,Illustration, christmas tree, multiple boys, blonde hair
A Kodak Christmas
Resolution: 2454 × 3854 px
Advertisement for Hart, Schaffner & Marx clothes,Edward Penfield,Illustration,Illustration, 3boys
Advertisement for Hart, Schaffner & Marx clothes
Resolution: 3087 × 4007 px
April May June 1897 calendar,Edward Penfield,Illustration,Illustration, 1girl, blonde hair, solo, pantyhose
April May June 1897 calendar
Resolution: 4008 × 5583 px
Ayer's Cherry Pectorials,Edward Penfield,Illustration,Illustration, no humans, apron, english text, chair
Ayer's Cherry Pectorials
Resolution: 3046 × 4142 px