Charles Dana Gibson
Charles Dana Gibson (September 14, 1867–December 23, 1944) was an American graphic artist, noted for his creation of the "Gibson Girl", an iconic representation of the beautiful and independent American woman at the turn of the 20th century.
His wife, Irene Langhorne, and her four sisters inspired his images. He published his illustrations in Life magazine and other major national publications for more than 30 years, becoming editor in 1918 and later owner of the general interest magazine.
Early Life
He was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on September 14, 1867. A talented youth, he was enrolled by his parents in the Art Students League, Manhattan. He studied there for two years before leaving to find work.
Career
Peddling his pen-and-ink sketches, he sold his first work in 1886 to John Ames Mitchell's Life magazine. His works appeared weekly in the magazine for over thirty years. He also quickly built a wider reputation, his works appearing in all the major New York publications and also Harper's Weekly, Scribners and Colliers Magazine. His illustrated books include the 1898 editions of Anthony Hope's "The Prisoner of Zenda" and its sequel "Rupert of Hentzau". The development of the "Gibson Girl" from 1890 and her nationwide fame made Gibson respected and wealthy.
He married Irene Langhorne of Virginia in 1895; she was a sister of Nancy Astor, the British politician. His wife, Irene Langhorne, and her four sisters inspired his images. He published his illustrations in Life magazine and other major national publications for more than 30 years, becoming editor in 1918 and later owner of the general interest magazine.
Almost unrestricted merchandising saw his distinctive sketches appear in many forms. He became the editor and eventual owner of Life after the death of Mitchell in 1918. The popularity of the Gibson Girl faded after World War I, and Gibson took to working with oils for his own pleasure. He retired in 1936.
On his passing in 1944, Charles Dana Gibson was interred with his wife in the same jar at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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