1930s Fortune Magazine Cover by Antonio Petruccelli (1907–1994)

May 1937 cover of Fortune Magazine, illustrated by Antonio Petrucelli. The magazine’s topics were German impressions of modern Germany and the WPA arts program. Matted in complementary tones of mocha and rust, framed in bronzed toned metal.

Antonio Petruccelli published 28 covers, interiors, and infographics for Fortune between 1933 and 1945. He was a precisionist with a keen sense of wit and whimsy.

Born in Fort Lee, New Jersey, Antonio Petruccelli (1907–1994) developed his artistic talent at an early age and began his career as a textile designer. After winning several House Beautiful cover illustration contests, he became a freelance illustrator in 1932; subsequently his work appeared on the covers of Fortune, The New Yorker, Collier’s, Today and House Beautiful magazines. The art director for Fortune, Francis Brennan, said of Petruccelli, “Tony was Mr. Versatility for Fortune. He could do anything, from charts and diagrams to maps, illustrations, covers and caricatures.” Throughout his life, Petruccelli won many important design awards including a U.S. Postage stamp for the American Steel Industry’s 100th anniversary and a Bicentennial medal for the state of New Jersey.