Arrow collars. Cluett shirts 1895 - 1917

This advertisement for Arrow Collars and Cluett Shirts, made by J.C. Leyendecker, presents a study in contrasts. The image is split, drawing the eye between two distinct scenes, connected by a shared sense of leisure and affluence. On the left, we see a couple and a dog, rendered with soft, fluid lines that evoke a casual elegance. Notice how the composition here directs our gaze from the figures down the steps, creating a sense of depth and movement. Conversely, the right side features a lone man, his posture suggesting a different kind of confidence, highlighted by crisper lines and a more formal arrangement. The artist uses these visual cues to create a semiotic interplay. The left scene may represent established wealth and comfort, while the figure on the right embodies a more modern, self-made image. It is up to you to decide!