The Art of TIME

Almost from the magazine's inception in 1923, the cover of TIME has been a cultural touchstone in American life. The famous and the infamous, the heroes and the scoundrels, the significant trends and the momentous events of the day have appeared on it, portrayed by artists and photographers who gave TIME its signature visual style. Today's magazine covers evolve from that traditional style. Where art and illustration once prevailed, we now see almost exclusively photography, a medium that imparts immediacy and often suggests exclusive access to high-profile subjects. Today's covers portray concepts, ideas and trends as well as people in the...

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