"The Great Gatsby" art work

May 3, 2005 9:17 PM

I have been in love with Francis Cugat's ubiquitous cover of _The Great Gatsby_ since I first saw it in my middle school library. This fascination has only grown, especially after actually reading it in high school. Sadly, I can't find a poster or print of this painting on the internet.

I'm looking for a decent reproduction that measures at least 18" wide. Where can I buy a print or poster of this?
FYI, according to WikiPedia the original dust jacket artwork is now in the public domain.

posted by Joybooth to media & arts (6 comments total)

Give your image's URL, I assume you've read the wonderful essay on the cover.

I searched Google for cugat gatsby princeton and came up with a reproduction order form at Princeton, but the largest format's only an 11x14 (not to mention the print seems to include the cover text, and it'll cost ya $48). I'd give Princeton a call and see if they've digitalized the original print.

And please keep us posted. Good luck.
posted by hobbes at 11:55 PM on May 3, 2005

Closest thing I could find -

The largest reproduction offered is 11 X 14

http://libweb2.princeton.edu/rbsc2/portfolio/portfolio.html

the specific image you're looking for here:

http://libweb2.princeton.edu/rbsc2/portfolio/fs2/r00gatsby.htm

Princeton University Library owns the original artwork so it is possible they are the only people in a practical position to reproduce it. If it is in the public domain of course anyone can reproduce it (well, it can get funny if you're creating reproductions based on, say, someone's still-under-copyright photo etc.)

You could probably have a decent reproduction in the size you're wanting made from the 35 mm slide at a specialty print shop -search for custom photo lab, digital imageing service, better yet ask friends in art school if you've got them, I know my brother (recent MFA) had to get this sort of thing done a lot. I have no idea what that would cost or the legality of it, though.

I would guess you could contact Princeton Library via information in the first link and find out first if anyone is licensing the image for reproductions and second what your options might be if you had your heart set on a larger reproduction.
posted by nanojath at 12:07 AM on May 4, 2005

In other news, shoulda checked up on preview. hobbes, what the hell are we doing up well past midnight on a school night, helping strangers find artworks through our Superior Google Techniques? Ay yi yi.
posted by nanojath at 12:10 AM on May 4, 2005

Please do keep us posted. It's a beautiful image.
posted by gesamtkunstwerk at 6:00 PM on May 4, 2005

BN.com (the Barnes and Noble website) should have one available, considering that we have one hanging up in our store, and I was told customers can buy them.

Unfortunately, I can't find a link, but I know they exist, and they're really good looking.
posted by drezdn at 6:20 PM on May 4, 2005

I called up Barnes and Noble this evening. They were aware of the poster but said there was "no way" one could be purchased. I would love to get my hands on one...Anybody?
posted by null terminated at 9:09 PM on May 5, 2005