Harper’s March 1897

Edward Penfield designed this poster to advertise Harper’s Magazine. Penfield’s work captured the spirit of the turn of the century, a time of significant shifts in societal norms, particularly around gender and class. We see figures strolling confidently against a backdrop of horse-drawn carriages. Penfield subtly comments on class distinctions and gender roles, with affluent women as the focus, hinting at the era's evolving, yet still restrictive, social landscape. Consider the emotional weight of representation during this period. How did images like these both reflect and shape the aspirations and identities of women? Penfield's artwork navigates the traditional and modern, inviting us to reflect on the complex interplay between personal identity and societal expectations. Ultimately, Penfield's composition invites us to contemplate the aspirations, constraints, and layered identities within a society on the cusp of transformation.