Eugene Iverd (American, 1893-1936). Halloween Smiles, The Saturday Evening Post cover, November 3, 1934. Oil on canvas. ...

Description

Eugene Iverd (American, 1893-1936)
Halloween Smiles, The Saturday Evening Post cover, November 3, 1934
Oil on canvas
30 x 25 inches (76.2 x 63.5 cm)
Signed lower left: Eugene Iverd

Halloween Smiles, which was graced newsstands over the holiday 1934 as the cover for The Saturday Evening Post, is one of Eugene Iverd's most glorious expressions of the carefree delight of the ideal American childhood which was his signature subject. Iverd's illustrations are known for their ability to capture the innocence, adventure, and playful energy of children, all of which are seen in this deceptively simple image.

Set against a the backdrop of a rural starry night, the kids are lit from the glow of the Jack-o-Lantern they are proudly setting up and what seems to be a porchlight from an unseen house. We, the viewers, are set up as the watchful parents delighting in their play, and yet leaving them to have their own free experience.

The quality, emotion, and nostalgic delight of this work make it a classic example of everything collectors love about cover art from The Saturday Evening Post.




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