New Yorker Covers Pre-1970s

Covers from Pre- 1970

   This cover was created in 1931 and it depicts the construction of some large building or a stone quarry. Massive construction machinery dots the area as do men working with large, digging tools or construction equipment. For me, this cover shows the massive amounts of time and energy saved by industrial and technological innovation. 

This cover was created in 1934 and it depicts 3 angels singing some kind of Christmas song on the radio. Because the angels show faces of unhappyness, annoyance, and dissatifaction, I believe this cover shows the tension between the traditional (classical angels singing Christmas tunes while looking unhappy) and the rise of technology in even an earlier stage of American Society (old style microphone broadcasting the angels songs.)

This final cover was created in 1937 and depicts a young couple trying to enjoy an afternoon ride on their little boat, but it appears their motor has stalled out and the male is trying to fix it as the women looks out to sea with dissapointment. This cover shows me the disconnection that often follows when technology (which is suppose to make our lifes easier) distracts us from the world and people around us who we care about.