The New Yorker Cover - Aug 1, 1983

This cover for the August 1, 1983, issue of The New Yorker is a celebrated work by the French illustrator Jean-Jacques Sempé. The image portrays the dense, wonderfully chaotic interior of a bicycle shop, which is crammed from floor to ceiling with wheels, frames, and handlebars. At the heart of this mechanical labyrinth, a brightly lit central space reveals a tender moment between a shopkeeper and a young boy in cycling gear, who is being presented with a new bicycle.

Artistic Insight

This artwork is a quintessential example of Jean-Jacques Sempé's genius for finding intimate human moments amidst overwhelming detail. The chaotic, cluttered shop is not just a backdrop but a representation of a magical world, a universe of adventure and possibility as seen through the eyes of the young boy. Sempé masterfully uses light to carve out a serene space for the central interaction, drawing the viewer’s focus to the quiet, almost sacred, rite of passage: receiving one's first serious bicycle. The cover is a warm and witty celebration of craftsmanship, passion, and the promise of freedom that a new bike represents.

Our ready-to-hang premium wooden frames, crafted from responsibly sourced oak or ash, feature unique wood grains for added character, making them ideal for those seeking to showcase world-class quality artwork:

• Ready-to-hang: Includes hanging kit, ready to hang directly on the wall.
• Frame Material: Responsibly sourced oak and ash wood.
• Frame Color: Natural wood, black, and white, showcasing the distinct wood grain.
• 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.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the poster.
• Sustainable Paper: FSC-certified materials or equivalent.