Life Magazine Cover for Christmas, 1902

This cover for Life magazine was illustrated by Charles Dana Gibson in 1902 for the Christmas volume. It features his depiction of the “Gibson Girl”, a visual representation of the idealized woman who is active in society but has a sense of grace and poise. The cover features ornamental, bright red lettering that is appropriate for the holiday season and eye-catching along with the black ink illustration. The gold halo around her head is reminiscent of the golden haloes in the Byzantine era used in religious iconography, suggesting that she is a figure to idolize and look up to. Her iconic look and direct eye contact with little context also convey this character's significance in society at the time for men and women.