Vignettes of Manhattan
1894
Meet the ultimate Gilded Age dandy! Edward Penfield created this striking cover for Brander Matthews' book 'Vignettes of Manhattan' in 1894. The dapper gentleman in the canary-yellow suit and bowler hat is puffing on a long cigarette holder, sending a whimsical trail of smoke swirling up to frame the bold orange title against a stylized city skyline. Penfield was a giant of American graphic design, often called the 'father of the American poster,' and this piece perfectly captures the stylish, flat-color aesthetic of the 1890s. It’s a vibrant snapshot of New York high society just before the skyscrapers completely took over.
Views: 9