Saturday Evening Post Cover, July 3, 1920 1920

This 1920 cover for *The Saturday Evening Post*, painted by J.C. Leyendecker, depicts a boy playfully firing a toy gun at a young girl, who covers her ears in mock terror. The illustration's charming, somewhat whimsical nature captures the innocence of childhood in a way that resonated with audiences at the time, and its playful, dynamic composition, with the boy’s outstretched arm and the girl’s hunched figure, creates a sense of visual energy. This artwork is a prime example of Leyendecker's signature style, characterized by its clean lines, strong contrasts, and idealized depictions of figures, which made him one of the most popular illustrators of his time.