Man Reading Book
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
The painting titled "Man Reading Book" by Edward Penfield features a man deeply engrossed in reading a newspaper rather than a book. This man is depicted in a full-length portrait, standing while dressed in warm, outdoor attire. He wears a long, dark green coat with a double-row of buttons, and a striking red and white checkered cap, possibly a tweed flat cap, which adds a touch of personality and color to his ensemble. Additionally, he's wearing red gloves, harmonizing with his cap and contrasting vividly against the green of the coat. His attention is fully captured by the newspaper in his hands, highlighted by his intent expression and slightly pursed lips, suggesting concentration. The style of the painting is characteristic of Penfield’s work with bold outlines and flat areas of color, utilizing a limited but impactful palette that conveys the simplicity and elegance of the early 20th-century illustration. The background is minimally detailed, keeping the focus squarely on the figure and his activity. This artwork not only reflects a moment of everyday life but also showcases Penfield's skill in capturing character and mood through posture and minimalistic yet expressive details.
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Edward Penfield (1866-1925) was an influential American poster artist, considered as the father of the American poster movement. He was employed as an art editor for Harper’s Weekly, Monthly, and Harper’s Bazaar, where he made posters advertising each issue of the magazine for over seven years. His art was avant-garde with less concern for the dramatic curving lines of Art Nouveau, inspired by Japanese ukiyo-e block prints, figure drawings by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, color lithographies by Jules Chéret, and other contemporary artists. He created simplified scenes of daily life in saturated colors, including horses, cats, sports, and women’s fashion.