Description

This is an original, double-sided print from the antique book Pictures of People by Charles Dana Gibson. The book and this print were published in 1896, and the edition was limited to 500 copies, many of which have probably been discarded or lost over time. It is signed on the book plate by Robert Howard Russell, the publisher for the U.S. edition. Front side: Title "THE LAST DAY OF SUMMER" Back side: Title untitled Artist's signature appears in the plate Sheet size: 11 3/8 x 16 inches Condition: A few small tears at the top cornerA couple huddles along the shore, pining away for summer's parting. * The famous "Gibson Girl," created by Charles Dana Gibson represents the epitome of American womanhood. Aloof, independent, confident and serene in character and personality, the Gibson Girl was-first and foremost-a "stunner." She was portrayed as finely featured, her hair piled on top of her head in defiance of gravity, and always impeccably dressed. * * The illustrations of Charles Gibson both influenced and reflected the "zeitgeist" of their day. Appearing in a number of popular magazines, notably Scribner's, Harper's, Colliers and The Century Gibson's drawings were an immediate hit with the public. His images are among the first examples of popular merchandising; at the height of her popularity, the Gibson Girl appeared on china plates, umbrella stands, stick pins, wallpaper and match boxes. All of these items - but especially the illustrations themselves - are avidly sought by collectors. *