You may not immediately recognize his name, but chances are, you’ll immediately recognize his work. Wladyslaw T. Benda Is the artist behind some of the loveliest magazine covers and illustrations you’ll find from the 1920s. The Life cover featuring a woman with butterfly wings is likely the most recognizable, but I dug a little deeper and found some amazing and not often used images you’ll love. All are public domain, and I’ve linkedyou to high resolution images for each.
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Wladyslaw T. Benda (1873-1948) was a painter, illustrator and graphic designer responsible for images of women that have enduring, classic style. Born in Poland, Benda immigrated to the audited States in 1902 to attend art school. He remained in the US as a working illustrator for over 40. His prolific portfolio includes book, magazine and advertising images, my favorites (and the most useful for journaling and art) are shown below.
This stunning portrait is in the public domain, and can be used for commercial purposes. She (well, a version of her) is included in the forthcoming Snow White Junk Journal. Find and download the full size, high resolution version here.
Life Magazine Butterfly Woman
Next is one I’m sure you’ll recognize if you’ve been paper crafting for any length of time, this butterfly woman graced the cover of Life magazine a century ago, and the original is even lovelier than the magazine cover. Find and download it here. This is also in the public domain and can be used commercially.
It would make a nice cover accent, tuck spot or other accent for any journal or paper project.
Vintage Life Cover
Another amazing image from life magazine in the public domain, I love the colors in this one!
This lovely lady in a hood was the image that started me on this particular image scavenger hunt, wouldnt she make a lovely red riding hood? Download this public domain beauty here.
Related:Fresh Graphics in the Shop
I‘ve added new commercial use graphics to the shop, including this lovely piece:
Find this stunning recolored lady here, like all items she is available in the shop or is free for subscribers. Launch your subscription today for under $15, and get immediate access to every kit, graphic and set in the shop, including this one.
Woman with Mask
I was just going to say this was my favoritem but then I realized they’re all pretty much my favorite! Interesting lady with a mask painting, in the public domain. Download a full size image here.
There are dozens of other lovely images by this artist on Wikipedia commons, so do take a look around when you get your downloads.
Love the Benda images, Samantha ! :D thanks.