Harper's August (1898)

Dated 1898, "Harper's August" is an artwork by Edward Penfield. Historical background, 1898: Japanese prints reached Europe in large numbers and influenced many artists, while photography changed what painting needed to do. In the 1890s, colour lithography and Art Nouveau made the illustrated poster a celebrated art form. The catalogue places it in Vintage Posters. The format is portrait. Vintage Posters, a short history: Posters announced theatre, travel, products, and events, combining image and lettering to be read at a glance from the street. Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and later modernist design each left a recognisable poster style.

Everything for "Harper's August" arrives digitally: Digital JPEG + PDF files, 300 DPI. Once payment is confirmed, an email brings the download link, and from there you decide how to print it, whether at home, at a print shop, or through an online service. A portrait format suits narrow wall spaces, hallways, and the area beside a door or window. Matching the frame to the image proportions avoids cropping. Hang the print away from direct sunlight, which over the years can fade any printed colour. Choosing a standard frame size and printing to fit it often saves the cost of custom framing. Matte and fine-art papers reduce glare in bright rooms, while glossy papers give stronger contrast and deeper blacks.

American, 1866–1925

If you like the visual language of Edward Penfield, explore more works by the same artist in our collection.