The New Yorker Cover - Apr 21, 1986

This cover for the April 21, 1986, issue of The New Yorker is by the celebrated French illustrator Jean-Jacques Sempé. The artwork depicts a lush, sun-drenched poolside scene at what appears to be a luxurious villa. A single, tiny figure in red swim trunks sits on the edge of the vast swimming pool, dipping his feet in the water and creating a small pattern of ripples that spreads across the otherwise still surface.

Artistic Insight

A signature work by Jean-Jacques Sempé, this cover is a masterful study in atmosphere and scale. The central theme is one of contemplative solitude amidst opulence. By dramatically contrasting the smallness of the human figure with the grandeur of his surroundings—the enormous pool, the sprawling patio, the lush vegetation—Sempé evokes a feeling of quiet introspection. The lone individual is not necessarily lonely, but rather peacefully isolated within his own paradise. The gentle ripples are a crucial detail, representing the subtle but distinct presence of the individual in his vast environment. Sempé's characteristic light-filled palette and delicate linework perfectly capture the lazy warmth of a summer afternoon, creating a scene that is both visually stunning and psychologically resonant.

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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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