Collier’s November 14, 1903 1903

This cover of Collier's magazine, dated November 14, 1903, was made by Edward Penfield, probably as a print. There's something so appealing about the way Penfield uses color here, limiting his palette to muted browns, oranges, and blacks, giving the scene a sophisticated feel. If you look closely, you can see how Penfield balances flat shapes with detailed linework to define the figures and their clothing. The ochre jacket is such a statement. It’s almost like he's using color to create a mood, one that feels both stylish and a little bit melancholy. The way he simplifies the forms, especially the faces, reminds me of early modernists like Toulouse-Lautrec, who were also fascinated by the energy of urban life. There's a real sense of narrative here, a slice of city life captured in a single moment. I love how the man in the background has been caught whistling like he's trying to get their attention. For me, this cover speaks to the power of art to turn the ordinary into something beautiful and thought-provoking, sparking conversations across time.