The Golden Age of Illustration
The early part of the twentieth century is considered to be the Golden Age of American Illustration. Though it may not be considered a historic period in the arts movement, it was, however, a period that indeed helped shape the culture of early twentieth century America. It was an art period during which some of the very best artists in America were approached by publishers of national magazines and first edition books, as well as advertising agencies, in order to create visionary artwork that would be delivered to American households and enjoyed by the masses. The art movements of Art Nouveau and Art Deco were just two of the art periods that were officially joined to create the Golden Age of Illustration.
Many artists became part of this Golden Age art movement, with none other than our own Salem, Virginia, artist, Walter Biggs being one of the most sought-after artists. His extraordinary work is in many museums and private collections throughout America. Mr. Biggs was honored to be among the very first artists chosen to be in the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame, alongside other honored artists such as Norman Rockwell, Howard Pyle, Maxfield Parrish, Jessie Wilcox Smith, Robert Herni, and Rockwell Kent.
In summary, The Golden Age of Illustration was a period of massive technological changes that allowed America the enjoyment of viewing art works by visionary artists. The legacy of this epic movement lives on in the present and will continue for future generations, partially in thanks to the prolific art work of Mr. Walter Biggs.
Walter Biggs
June 4, 1886 in Big Spring (Elliston), Virginia to
February 11, 1968 in Salem, Virginia
Walter Biggs was born in Montgomery County in Virginia on June 4, 1886. By the age of 12, he was exhibiting an interest in art, and at age 17, he moved from his comfortable and quiet Southern roots to bustling New York City where he would study among some of the best teachers and artists of his generation. His contemporaries recognized his talent, and certainly must not have been surprised to witness his rise as an important painter and illustrator.
As one of Virginia’s beloved sons, this gentle, unassuming artist made a name for himself nationwide with his romantic and impressionistic style. Working in oils and watercolors, Mr. Biggs enjoyed a 60-year career as an illustrator/painter and is considered one of the most prolific illustrators of magazines and books, beginning with the first publication of one of his illustrations in 1905. Historians speculate that Walter’s illustrations and art number in the thousands.
Biggs won many prizes in art competitions. He was a member of the National Academy of Design, the American Water Color Society, the Philadelphia Water Color Club, the Salmagundi Club, and Allied Artists of America. In 1963, Biggs was inducted into the Society of Illustrators’ Hall of Fame; he was in good company as he shared the distinction with the likes of Norman Rockwell who preceded him as a member of the Society by 5 years.
Walter Biggs was among the first artists inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame. The first artist inducted into the Hall of Fame was Norman Rockwell, with Walter Biggs being honored shortly thereafter. Walter’s art was in such high demand that the publishers of the most reputable national magazines and first addition books chose to use his original art over a six-decade period, beginning in 1905 until 1954. Listed below is a list of some of the magazines and books that include the original works of Walter Biggs.
Ladies Home Journal
Good Housekeeping
Saturday Evening Post
Cosmopolitan
Life magazine
Harpers Bazar
Vanity Fair
Vogue
Women’s Home Companion
McCall’s Magazine
RedBook Magazine
Scribner’s Magazine
Town and Country
Esquire Magazine
Harper’s Monthly Magazine
Harper’s Weekly Magazine
Country Life
Century Magazine
American Legion Magazine
American Home Magazine
Metropolitan Magazine
Physical Culture Magazine
Pictorial Review Magazine
Popular Magazine
Collier’s Magazine
Hearst Magazine
Country Gentle Woman Magazine
Delinerator Magazine
Field and Stream Magazine
Farm Journal
Gunter’s Magazine
House Beautiful Magazine
HouseHold Magazine
International Studio Magazine
Literary Digest Magazine
PhotoPlay Magazine
Motion Picture Magazine
Movie Classic Magazine
McClure’s Magazine
Canadian Home Journal
Every Week Magazine
Everybody’s Magazine
Farmer’s Magazine
Green Book Magazine
Love Story Magazine
Nash and Pall Mall Magazine
Pearson’s Magazine
Sport Story Magazine
St. Nicholas Magazine
Sunday Magazine
This Week Magazine
Today’s Woman Magazine
Western Story Magazine
Woman World Magazine
Woman’s Day Magazine
Youth Magazine
Youth’s Companion Magazine
Numerous First Addition Books, including illustrations for: Maje a Love Story, Calvary Alley, The Land of the Sprit, Ommirandy Plantation Life, Light Horse Harry, Miss Mink Soldier, Williams of West Point, Peter Ashley, – and many other wonderful books.
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© 2024 E. Smith, private collection
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