The Civilized Lion: How Edward Penfield Invented the American Art Post

Ready-to-hang: Includes hanging kit, ready to hang directly on the wall.
Frame Material: Durable pine wood.
Frame Measurements: 20-25mm (0.79"-0.98") thick, 10-14mm (0.4"-0.6") wide.
Paper Weight: 200 gsm (80 lb), thickness: 0.22 mm (8.7 mils).
Paper Finishing: Matte, smooth, non-reflective surface.
Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the poster.
Sustainable Paper: FSC-certified materials or equivalent.

This is a whimsical 1894 illustration by Edward Penfield, an artist widely celebrated as the father of the American poster. The artwork depicts a humorous scene where a sophisticated lion stands on its hind legs, completely absorbed in reading a book. In the background, a small lamb wanders away, perfectly safe from the intellectually diverted predator. Created with a limited color palette and a clean, graphic style against a textured background, this piece is a prime example of the witty and modern aesthetic that defined the Golden Age of American Illustration.

Historical Tidbit

Edward Penfield created this poster while working as the art director for Harper's Magazine. His job was to design a new poster each month to advertise the latest issue, and his bold, simple, and often humorous designs became a sensation on the streets of New York. This image is a clever visual pun on the biblical prophecy of a peaceful kingdom where the "lion shall lie down with the lamb." Penfield's modern twist is that this utopia is achieved through the civilizing power of literature—a perfect and witty message for promoting a literary magazine. His work single-handedly elevated the American advertisement into a collectible art form.

Our sturdy wooden framed posters come ready to hang and are printed on heavyweight white matte paper with a smooth, luxurious finish—designed to stand the test of time: