Judge Magazine Covers

 

Judge was a weekly satirical magazine published in the United States from 1881 to 1947. It was launched by artists who had seceded from its rival Puck. Judge boomed during the '80s and '90s, surpassing its rival publication in content and circulation. By the 1900s, the magazine had become successful, reaching a circulation of 100,000 by 1912. Harold Ross was an editor of Judge for a few months during 1924. He used the experience on the magazine to start his own in 1925, The New Yorker. The success of The New Yorker, as well as the Great Depression, put pressure on Judge. It became a monthly in 1932 and ceased circulation in 1947. Today it is mainly remembered for its beautiful covers, especially during the twenties (information from Wikipedia). The image above was made at the Photofunia site, which has no copyright issues.

 

 

 

April 1921

We kick off with a beautiful minimal cover. The illustration was drawn by Louis Fancher. 

February 1922

 

A bit of surrealism creeps into this cover with the girl apparently emerging from an oyster-like oversized pocket watch. This drawing is by C.J. Monroe.

 

 

 July 1923

A summertime cover, showing how much time has changed - this was probably considered risque in that age. This cover was created by Simon Werner.

 September 1923

So much to love here, not only the girl in her stunning dress, but also the setting in what we now call an old timer car, but which must have been modern then. This cover was created by Simon Werner.

October 1924

 

A typical flapper girl on this cover, complete with the jazz age style hat. Another cover by Simon Werner.

 

 

June 1925

 

There is a strong Ahoy Sailor! vibe in this one - and I like it also because it is so different, from the setting to the way she looks at us. One of the first covers by the famous Ruth Eastman.
 

 

February 1926

 

A bit different style compared to others  from this period - there is some fun here in the way the attractive flapper girl is flirting with the bookmaker to the consternation of other customers waiting in line tio make a bet. The drawing is by David Robinson.
 

 

July 1926

A typical summer mood in this one. You have to love that bathing suit, including a beautiful Art Deco swimming cap. This one was drawn by Ruth Eastman.

October 1926

This colourful Art Deco extravaganza is one of the best Judge covers. It is based on work by John Holmgren.

 

 

December 1926

Here is one for the holiday season that is a few weeks behind us. A charming dancing couple in Art Deco gear. The cover was made by John Holmgren.

 

 

June 1928

One notices some changes in typical lay-out of the covers with time, including a more playful font for the title. Although they are still illustrations, they tend to become more elaborate, like this summer themed image, created by Ruth Eastman.

 

 

December 1929

 

It is  rather typical that even for an issue that focuses on "What the well-dressed man must wear" the cover shows an elegant woman. Well, apparently she is the one picking the ties for her husband... Drawing once more by Ruth Eastman.

 

 

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