Art of Illustration Has Changed Dramatically Over

¶ … art of illustration has changed dramatically over time. In the present moment, book illustrations can be a variety of types and styles, all of which have some historical basis in past illustrations. The period between 1929 and 1955 had two very different artistic styles in terms of aesthetic, subject matter, and technique. These two periods, known as the Pulp Era (1929-1941) and the Mid-Century Illustration (1945-1955) periods, reflected the psychological viewpoint of the American citizens who would serve as the consumers of these books, magazines, and other literary materials.

The Pulp Era has been characterized by highly stylized illustrations of women and men. Traditionally, the female characters are shown in a highly sexualized context. Usually women are in various states of undress, or their clothing is very tight and the females are buxom. Blondes are portrayed as more innocent and dark haired women are shown to be more sexually aware. Male characters are highly masculinized with lots of muscles and handsome features, unless they are the villain of the piece in which case they are ugly. The physical characteristics thus illustrate the personality of that character. There are also many instances where the women and men are in peril, often holding or being held up by weaponry.

Following the Second World War, the aesthetic design of illustration completely changed which is what led to the Mid-Century Illustration movement. In place of the highly stylized men and women on the covers which were so vivid that they could leap of the page, were more stream-lined. The illustrations from the era match the new psychology of the people of the United States. Instead of the highly sexualized women, more and more depictions were designed to showcase matronly women who were mothers and wives before anything else. Children are featured more prominently in advertising of products to highlight the idea that the family comes before anything else.