Jon Whitcomb, Good Housekeeping Magazine Newsstand Poster, February 1940

Description

Jon Whitcomb, Good Housekeeping Magazine Newsstand Poster, February 1940

A vibrant and elegant newsstand display poster by the celebrated illustrator Jon Whitcomb, this oversize piece exemplifies the golden age of American magazine marketing. The composition features a stylishly dressed woman in a striking yellow-and-black striped ensemble, her head adorned with a matching turban, gently feeding a white dove. The warm brown background and soft, luminous rendering of the figure create an atmosphere of domestic grace and refined leisure—perfectly aligned with Good Housekeeping’s positioning as the arbiter of American home life and elegance.

This poster was designed to attract readers at newsstands and bookstalls, promoting the February 1940 issue and its featured serial by acclaimed author Faith Baldwin. The image captures Whitcomb’s signature style: a sophisticated blend of commercial appeal and fine illustration technique. His ability to convey both aspiration and accessibility made him one of the most sought-after illustrators for magazine promotion. Beyond his magazine work, Whitcomb became legendary for his advertising illustrations and his popular column “On Location with Jon Whitcomb” in Cosmopolitan, where he documented his travels and creative process.

About Jon Whitcomb

Jon Whitcomb (1906–1988) was one of America’s most prolific and celebrated illustrators of the twentieth century. Known for his distinctive style—characterized by elegant figures, refined technique, and an instinctive understanding of commercial appeal—Whitcomb created illustrations for virtually every major American magazine. His work appeared in Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, Collier’s, The Saturday Evening Post, and countless advertising campaigns. Beyond static illustration, Whitcomb was a cultural personality: his column in Cosmopolitan brought readers behind-the-scenes glimpses of the creative process and his glamorous lifestyle. His legacy encompasses thousands of illustrations that defined the visual language of American aspiration and style during the mid-twentieth century.

Condition & Details

This poster is in very good condition, showing only minimal age-related wear consistent with a piece from 1940. The colors remain vibrant, with the yellow striping particularly bright and the warm brown background well-preserved. The lithographic print is unbacked. There are no significant tears, creasing, or foxing. The piece is ready to be framed and displayed.

Specifications

• Artist: Jon Whitcomb
• Publication: Good Housekeeping Magazine
• Issue: February 1940
• Featured Content: Faith Baldwin’s Gay New Serial
• Date: 1940
• Medium: Offset Lithograph
• Size: 18.5″ × 24.5″
• Condition: Very Good
• Backing: Unbacked
• Inventory #: 7758
• Certificate of Authenticity: Included

About The Vintage Poster

The Vintage Poster specializes in rare twentieth-century graphic design, with particular expertise in Art Deco, modernism, editorial arts, and vintage magazine promotions. All pieces are sourced from private collections and vetted for authenticity and condition. We are proud members of the International Vintage Poster Dealers Association (IVPDA), adhering to the highest standards of expertise, ethics, and transparency in the vintage poster market. Every purchase includes a detailed Certificate of Authenticity.