Back in the 1970s, The New Yorker published the work of some of its outstanding cartoonists in formats that went beyond the single-panel cartoon into more sequential narratives. In those days, the magazine was bolstered by enough print advertising to support more unconventional use of its space. Occasionally it gave its artists the room to develop ideas over two, three, or even more pages. It wasn't at all unusual for stalwarts like Charles Saxon, William Steig, and Saul Steinberg to explore various themes over multiple pages of prime magazine real estate.
The newer talent also got its chance. George Booth concocted a two-page masterpiece with the one-off comic strip "Ip Gissa Gul" in the January 12, 1975 issue. He also hit a home run with a series of single-panel cartoons grouped under the title "Keeping Calm" from January 9, 1977. The two pages are still a delight to read. And there has never been anything quite like Jack Ziegler's cinematic "Hole!" in the January 13, 1976 issue, complete with "soundtrack."
Anthony Taber's "The Puzzle" from the issue of February 13, 1978 was a more sober artistic experiment. Six-panel sequential cartoons weren't all that scarce in previous decades, but to tell a serious and enigmatic story with large, atmospheric drawings tantalizingly unfolding over three full pages of the magazine was an exceptional use of space. "The Puzzle" is not in The New Yorker's humorous tradition and instead comes across as a mysterious parable. The six pieces of original art were recently removed from their frame and sold on eBay.
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| Anthony Taber's signature |
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| Anthony Taber eBay listing ended January 11, 2023 |
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| Anthony Taber eBay item description "I can't tell just what the art work is (print or litho)." How about pen and ink? |
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| The Puzzle Anthony Taber |
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| Conclusion of The Puzzle by Anthony Taber and a spot drawing |
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| Watering can spot Artist unidentified |
Note: Another puzzle—Who drew the spot?
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