The Illustrated Gallery is proud to showcase a new acquisition by Clarence Underwood, alongside five existing pieces from our collection that have been recently researched to identify their original usage in publications.

Clarence F. Underwood (1871–1929) was a prominent American illustrator born in Jamestown, New York, and raised in Meadville, Pennsylvania. After training at the Art Students League in New York and the Académie Julian in Paris, he returned to the United States in the early 1900s to begin a prolific career in commercial and editorial art, creating illustrations for postcards, novels, advertisements, and leading magazines.

Underwood is perhaps best known for his work with The Saturday Evening Post, for which he produced 40 covers, as well as his contributions to Harper’s, Hearst’s, American Magazine, and The Ladies’ World. He solidified his reputation as a master of the “pretty girl” archetype through his creation of the famous “Palmolive Girl” advertising campaign. During World War I, he further expanded his reach by contributing posters to the national war effort.

Beyond his technical skill, Underwood was celebrated for his unique narrative power. As noted in the Forward to the 1909 book Girls of To-day, he possessed the ability to reveal “almost an entire romance in a single scene,” drawing readers into the drama of a story through a single image. A respected member of the Society of Illustrators, Underwood remained active until his death in 1929 at the age of 58, following his collapse while at work in his studio.

 

Browse all available artwork by Clarence Underwood here

 

New Acquisition

Clarence Underwood. “Linnet stood gazing over the garden.” Story illustration for “A Lady in Distress” by George Randolph Chester and Lillian Chester for Hearst’s magazine, published August 1917. Gouache and tempera on board. 11.25 x 24.25 in. List: $3,200

Clarence Underwood. “They were down there in the room with the silent piano.” Story illustration for “Julie” by Frederick Orin Bartlett for The Saturday Evening Post, published August 21, 1920. Gouache on board. 30 x 21.75 in. List: $4,900

Clarence Underwood. “Julie, do you love me?” Story illustration for “Julie” by Frederick Orin Bartlett for The Saturday Evening Post, published August 14, 1920. Gouache on board. 27.5 x 21.5 in. List: $5,500

Clarence Underwood. “The Girl Savagely Interrupted.” Story illustration for “A Lady in Distress” by George Randolph Chester and Lillian Chester for Hearst’s magazine, published July 1917. Gouache on board. 30 x 22 in. List: $2,650

 

Clarence Underwood. “I have made up my mind.” Story illustration for “The Bishop-Elect and Maria” by Hilda Mabee for Harper’s Magazine, published September 1904. Gouache. 22 x 22 in. List: $3,900

Clarence Underwood. “It’s up to a woman to have a good time.” Story illustration for “Zero” by Roland Pertwee for Hearst’s magazine, April 1919. Gouache on board. 27.5 x 21.5 in. List: $2,600

 

Browse all available artwork by Clarence Underwood here