Edward Penfield (1866–1925) was an American artist and illustrator, best known for his work in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a prominent figure in the development of American poster art, particularly during the “Golden Age of American Illustration”. He was particularly famous for his distinctive, bold style and his use of flat colors, simple shapes, and strong compositions.
Penfield contributed to magazines like Harper’s Weekly and The Century Magazine, where his illustrations were widely recognized. Penfield’s work helped to define the visual language of the time, influencing both commercial advertising and artistic trends. He was a member of the “Society of Illustrators” and is considered one of the key figures in American graphic design.
Penfield’s style played a significant role in bridging the gap between illustration and graphic design as we understand it today. Here is a collection of impressive covers of Harper’s Magazine illustrated by Edward Penfield in the 1890s.
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| Harper’s September, 1896 |
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| Harper’s for June, 1893 |
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| Harper’s January, 1893 |
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| Harper’s September, 1893 |
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| Harper’s June, 1894 |
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