The Golden Age of American Illustration marked a huge turning
point in the illustrative industry when paper became cheaper, new printing
techniques developed, distribution of magazines became easier and the
population became wealthier which caused an exponential increase in the publication
of illustrated media. This excellence within book and magazine illustration lasted
from around 1880 to just after World War 1 and allowed the coloured, inexpensive
and immediate replication of art from illustrators across the world; mainly
Europe. The stigma attached to
illustration as a profession dissolved and a small group of illustrators at the
time became incredibly rich and famous due to their work that reflected
American aspiration.
Popular illustrators of the time include:
Edwin Austin Abbey:
Cordelia's Farewell (1898)
Harrison Fisher
Her Eyes Were Made to Worship (1909) A Winter Promenade (1905)
Elizabeth Shippen Green
Bryn Mawr College Calendar (1902)
