Charles Dana Gibson (1867-1944) was an influential American illustrator whose drawings defined an era from the 1890s through the early 1900s. His iconic Gibson Girls-depictions of beautiful, independent American women-left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. These elegant, confident figures graced the pages of Life magazine and other major national publications for over three decades. Gibson’s talent extended beyond the realm of fashion and beauty; he chronicled American high society in New York and Boston, capturing the interactions of old aristocratic families and newcomers. His large-scale drawings, often reduced for publication, featured wit, sophistication, and a keen eye for social dynamics. While the legend suggests that Gibson’s wife and her elegant Langhorne sisters inspired the Gibson Girls, the truth is that the first Gibson Girl appeared in 1890-more than two years before he met the Langhorne family. In later years, many of Gibson’s friends and family members modeled for his illustrations. After the death of John Ames Mitchell, Gibson became editor of Life and eventually its owner. As the popularity of the Gibson Girl waned after World War I, Gibson turned to oil painting for personal enjoyment. Elected into the National Academy of Design, he retired in 1936, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with admirers of art and social history.