Harper’s September

A hand-painted replica of Edward Penfield’s masterpiece Harper’s September, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.

Edward Penfield's Harper’s September is a notable example of early 20th-century American illustration and graphic design. Created in 1895, the artwork was designed as a cover for Harper’s Magazine, one of the most prominent publications of its time. Penfield, often regarded as a pioneer of American poster art, played a significant role in shaping the visual identity of Harper’s Magazine during the 1890s through his innovative and stylish cover designs.

The illustration for Harper’s September reflects Penfield’s characteristic style, which combined simplicity, bold outlines, and flat areas of color. This approach was influenced by the Art Nouveau movement and the poster art of European artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Jules Chéret. Penfield adapted these influences to suit American tastes, creating works that were both functional and visually appealing.

In Harper’s September, Penfield depicts a fashionable woman dressed in autumnal attire, holding a copy of Harper’s Magazine. The composition emphasizes the seasonal theme, with the woman's clothing and the overall color palette evoking the transition to fall. The design is both elegant and practical, serving as an advertisement for the magazine while also standing as a work of art in its own right.

Penfield's work for Harper’s Magazine is often credited with elevating the status of magazine covers as a legitimate form of artistic expression. His designs were not only visually striking but also effectively communicated the sophistication and cultural relevance of the publication. As the art director for Harper’s Magazine from 1891 to 1901, Penfield produced a series of monthly covers that are now considered iconic examples of American graphic design.

Today, Harper’s September and other works by Edward Penfield are celebrated for their historical and artistic significance. They are frequently studied in the context of the development of American illustration and the broader history of graphic design. Original prints and reproductions of Penfield's magazine covers are held in the collections of museums and libraries, including the Library of Congress and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Edward Penfield's contributions to the field of illustration have left a lasting legacy, and Harper’s September remains a testament to his skill and creativity as an artist.