Photo gallery: The Gibson Girls
In the 1890s, his “Gibson Girl” illustrations became a sensation and his work was in demand. At one point, he had a four-year contract for $100,000, according to the Smithsonian American Art Museum website.
By 1905, he wanted to give up his paper and ink illustrations and concentrate on oil painting, recounts the National Museum of American Illustration. But the cost would have been steep. The website gives his annual salary at $75,000 – a fortune then and a solid living now.
His illustrations appeared in magazines of the time but also in books. When he retired, at 65, he took up oil painting. But Gibson is remembered still for his illustrations. This selection of images from the Library of Congress offers a glimpse at his genius. See our story here.
"A Daughter of the South," 1909, believed to be Gibson's wife, Irene.Image: Charles Dana Gibson, Library of Congress
"The Reason Dinner Was Late," 1912.Image: Charles Dana Gibson, Library of Congress
"Woman in Black Evening Dress," 1901.Image: Charles Dana Gibson, Library of Congress
"The Jury Disagrees," 1904.Image: Charles Dana Gibson, Library of Congress
"Picturesque America: Anywhere in the Mountains," 1900.Image: Charles Dana Gibson, Library of Congress
"Sweetest Story Ever Told," 1910.Image: Charles Dana Gibson, Library of Congress
