The New Yorker covers; August 17, 1963

Most of the earth’s surface is covered in water, hence the planet’s nickname as the blue planet. Water, its uses and its relationship to land have held a special appeal for cover artists whose work has appeared in The New Yorker.

Abe Birnbaum
(covers untitled until February 1993)

And now, a few words from . . . Robert Wilensky

We’ve all heard that a million monkeys banging on a million typewriters will eventually reproduce the entire works of Shakespeare. Now, thanks to the Internet, we know this is not true.

"What is art but a way of seeing?" Saul Bellow

"Claude and Paloma Drawing," 1954, Pablo Picasso 

Movie Posters, 1980: Two adults, please, and a large popcorn!

Today in the history of the American comic strip: August 17

American cartoonists and writers may not have invented the comic strip, but some argue that the comics, as we know them today, are an American creation. Clearly, the United States has played an outsize role in the development of this underappreciated art form.

8.17.1905: Wally Bishop is born in Normal, Illinois. He created Muggs McGinnis (later renamed Muggs and Skeeter) in 1927. He (and the strip) retired in 1974.

Most of the information listed here from one day to the next comes from two online sites -- Wikipedia, and Don Markstein's Toonopedia -- as well as 100 Years of American Newspaper Comics, edited by Maurice Horn. Note that my focus is on American newspaper comic strips (and the occasional foreign strip that gained popularity in the United States). Thus, comic books and exclusively online comics are not included here.

The New Yorker covers: October 16, 1954

Over the years, there have been many magazines whose covers have featured the work of highly talented artists and illustrators. But probably no magazine has had more varied and memorable covers, over a longer period of time, than The New Yorker, which was founded in 1925.

Mary Petty
(covers untitled until February 1993)

And now, a few words from . . . Nicole Machiavelli

Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.

"What is art but a way of seeing?" Saul Bellow

"Three Cats," ca. 1928, Adolf Fleischmann

Movie Posters, 1982: Two adults, please, and a large popcorn!