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 American poster art from the late 19th century. Created in 1894, this artwork was designed as a promotional piece for Harper’s Magazine, one of the most prominent publications of the time. Penfield, often regarded as a pioneer of American graphic design, served as the art director for Harper’s Magazine from 1891 to 1901. During his tenure, he produced a series of monthly posters that advertised the magazine, helping to establish the medium of poster art as a significant form of visual communication in the United States.

Harper’s September reflects Penfield’s characteristic style, which combined simplicity, bold outlines, and flat areas of color. The composition typically features a fashionable, modern figure, often engaged in an activity associated with leisure or intellectual pursuits. In this particular piece, a woman dressed in late 19th-century attire is depicted holding an issue of Harper’s Magazine. The image captures the elegance and sophistication associated with the magazine’s readership, while also serving as an effective marketing tool to attract new subscribers.

Penfield’s work was heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau movement, which was gaining popularity in Europe during this period. However, his designs also exhibit a distinctly American sensibility, emphasizing practicality and clarity over the more ornate and decorative tendencies of European counterparts. This approach made his posters highly accessible and visually appealing to a broad audience.

The Harper’s Magazine posters, including Harper’s September, played a significant role in elevating the status of commercial art in the United States. They demonstrated that advertising materials could also be works of art, blending aesthetic appeal with functional purpose. Penfield’s contributions to the field of graphic design earned him widespread recognition, and his work continues to be celebrated for its historical and artistic significance.

Today, Harper’s September is often studied as an example of early American poster art and is appreciated for its role in the development of modern graphic design. Original prints of Penfield’s posters are considered valuable collectibles and are held in the collections of various museums and institutions dedicated to art and design.