The New Yorker

Classical dance and ballet are among Sempé's recurring themes. On this March 23, 1987 cover, a young ballerina presents her steps under the keen eye of her teacher. With her arm raised, she looks like a statue of liberty, while the shadows of her classmates draw a reflection close to that of the Skyline in the Hudson River. 

Many of us eagerly await the arrival of warm days to fully enjoy the outdoors. For the cover of the April 1, 2024, issue, Mark Ulriksen illustrates this anticipation through one of his favorite creatures: the dog.

“Dogs are wonderful in so many ways,” says Ulriksen. “They welcome you as a hero, whether you've been gone for five minutes or five days.”

In the illustration, the signs of joy are obvious: a tail wagging frantically and, if you listen closely, enthusiastic barks greeting the long-awaited return of their owner.

This image explores the theme of fame and media omnipresence. Renowned Canadian illustrator Anita Kunz chose the Mona Lisa—an iconic figure in art and a symbol of timeless celebrity—to illustrate this concept.

She wondered how Mona Lisa would perceive her current notoriety and imagined a scene where she expresses a certain reluctance toward the constant attention she receives. This illustration showcases Kunz’s ability to offer satirical and insightful commentary on social and cultural issues, using classic artistic references to address contemporary themes.

In this illustration, Eric Drooker seems to capture a suspended moment in time. The Hell Gate Bridge, with its imposing steel arch, stands as a symbol of connection between the Queens neighborhood of Astoria and Randall’s Island, while the silhouettes of a father and his son, modest fishermen at dusk, bring a touch of serenity to the scene.

The contrast is striking: in the background, skyscrapers represent the frenzy of New York, the city that never sleeps. In the foreground, the calm water and the golden light of the setting sun transform this scene into a haven of peace—a moment of contemplation far from the urban hustle and bustle.