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"Very nice Posters. The quality is amazing and we received it very quickly !"
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"A shop to visit absolutely. Huge selection of posters. We spent more than an hour there !"
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"Perfect to find gift. Price are very good. An they can frame and pack it on site"
About the Artist
Edward Penfield was a pivotal figure in American poster design during the late 19th century, renowned for shaping the visual language of modern advertising. As the art director for Harper's Magazine, he played a key role in elevating the status of the poster from mere commercial tool to a respected art form. Penfield's work reflects the dynamic cultural changes of his era, when illustrated publications and public posters became central to urban life and visual communication.
His influence endures among collectors and admirers of early graphic design and vintage advertising posters, where his name is synonymous with clarity, sophistication, and the emergence of American poster art.
The Artwork
Created in 1896, this artwork was designed as a magazine poster, capturing a moment of quiet companionship between two women. At a time when posters were used both to advertise and to reflect modern social scenes, Penfield’s composition highlights the everyday presence of women in public and domestic spaces. The scene is less about narrative drama and more about the subtle significance of shared moments, mirroring the evolving roles and visibility of women in late 19th-century society.
This piece stands as a testament to Penfield’s ability to convey mood and social context through understated gestures and settings, making it both a historical document and a timeless study of human connection.
Style & Characteristics
The poster features Penfield’s signature use of bold, simplified outlines and flat, graphic shapes. The palette is muted and harmonious, with creamy whites and beiges forming the background, contrasted by darker accents in the women’s garments and touches of green and red that enliven the composition. The figures are rendered with confident, economical lines, resulting in a balanced and uncluttered layout.
This restrained approach creates a calm, poised atmosphere, characteristic of Penfield’s early modern style. The overall effect is one of quiet elegance, making this work a classic example of American poster art from the 1890s.
In Interior Design
This Edward Penfield art print brings a sense of calm focus to interiors, whether displayed in a reading nook, bedroom, or office with vintage character. Its understated tones pair beautifully with natural materials like linen and light wood, and it integrates seamlessly among classic art posters for a curated look.
For a cohesive palette, echo the soft neutrals and highlight the green or red accents in accessories such as books or ceramics. It also complements famous artists prints that bridge illustration and fine art, enhancing a thoughtful, collected gallery wall.