December 14

William Steig was a wonder for the New Yorker. Starting off primarily as a cartoonist, he developed into a cartoon expressionist, making subtle, funny, and accurate observations of the human character. The top cover below demonstrates that, with the subtlety of facial expressions between a large generational gap. And the one below it demonstrates the childlike and colorful style that he brought to so many wonderful covers throughout the year, over many years.

As many wonderful covers and cover artists there have been for the New Yorker for 85 years now, Steig's work adds up to be probably my favorite overall.