The New Yorker Cover - Apr 14, 1973

This cover for the April 14, 1973, issue of The New Yorker is by the artist Charles E. Martin (signed C.E.M.). The artwork presents a serene and solitary waterfront scene. In the foreground, a large expanse of hexagonal pavers leads to a single, empty park bench that faces away from the viewer, looking out over the water towards a distant and hazy city skyline.

Artistic Insight

This cover is a masterful exercise in minimalist composition and mood. Charles E. Martin uses the vast, repeating geometric pattern of the paving stones to create a sense of expansive quiet, drawing the eye toward the solitary bench. The empty bench itself is the powerful focal point, serving as an invitation to the viewer to sit and partake in a moment of quiet contemplation. By leaving it unoccupied, the artist creates an "empty stage," evoking a feeling of peace, potential, and the profound stillness that can be found even at the edge of a great metropolis. It’s a beautifully balanced and meditative piece that speaks volumes without needing a single human figure.

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• Ready-to-hang: Includes hanging kit, ready to hang directly on the wall.
• Frame Material: Responsibly sourced oak and ash wood.
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• Frame Measurements: 20mm (0.79") thick and wide, wider than the classic 14mm (0.55") frame.
• Paper Weight: 200 gsm (80 lb), thickness: 0.22 mm (8.7 mils), durable and long-lasting.
• Paper Finishing: Matte, smooth, uncoated finish.
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