The New Yorker Cover - Jul 2, 1990

This cover for the July 8, 1996, issue of The New Yorker is by the artist Gretchen Dow Simpson. Published to coincide with Independence Day, the artwork presents a dramatic, close-up, and tightly cropped view of an American flag as it billows in the wind. The composition is dominated by the bold, graphic pattern of the red and white stripes, with only a small corner of the blue canton with its stars visible.

Artistic Insight

Gretchen Dow Simpson's cover is a brilliant exercise in seeing a familiar icon in a new way. By using such a tight and unconventional crop, she deconstructs the American flag, transforming it into a dynamic abstract composition. The focus shifts from the flag as a whole symbol to the pure visual power of its graphic elements—the rhythm of the stripes and the movement of the fabric. The image is full of energy, capturing the physicality of the flag in the wind rather than presenting it as a static emblem. It's a modern and sophisticated take on a patriotic theme, celebrating the flag's aesthetic power as much as its national significance.

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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.
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