For a 1977 cover of the New Yorker, Arnie Levin imagines the very first Thanksgiving Day parade. A pair of pilgrims and an American Indian review a procession of turkeys. Sometimes the simplest ideas work best.
Four decades later the concept remains fresh, yet the cover can't be said to have aged well. The problem for us today is the red—really more of a pink—skin tone of the native American in the reviewing stand. This depiction very likely would be objectionable to the New Yorker's contemporary editors and readers. Levin carries the pink over into all the turkey heads, while the feathers pick up the browns from the reviewing stand. These colors tie the composition together, but one imagines Levin would choose differently today.
Quick Links to the Attempted Bloggery Archives:
Arnie Levin
Turkeys
Thanksgiving Day
Four decades later the concept remains fresh, yet the cover can't be said to have aged well. The problem for us today is the red—really more of a pink—skin tone of the native American in the reviewing stand. This depiction very likely would be objectionable to the New Yorker's contemporary editors and readers. Levin carries the pink over into all the turkey heads, while the feathers pick up the browns from the reviewing stand. These colors tie the composition together, but one imagines Levin would choose differently today.
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| Arnie Levin Original art The New Yorker, November 28, 1977 |
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| Arnie Levin Original art The New Yorker, November 28, 1977 |
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| Arnie Levin Swann Auction Galleries Illustration Art, Sale 2465, Lot 296, December 14, 2017 Hammer Price $1,700 |
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| Arnie Levin The New Yorker, November 28, 1977 |
Quick Links to the Attempted Bloggery Archives:
Arnie Levin
Turkeys
Thanksgiving Day
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