Bride: “Quick, John! There’s another grain!”

Philadelphia, 1910. Original silhouette illustration by Jessie Gillespie, published on page 475 of Life magazine on March 17, 1910. Gillespie’s characteristic wit informs this scene of an anxious newlywed instructing her groom to collect the last grain of wedding rice from the floor of their honeymoon suite. Brooklyn-born Jessie Gillespie Willing was the daughter of Thomas Willing, art editor of the Associated Sunday Magazine syndicate, credited with “discovering” illustrators like J. C. Coll and Grace Drayton of Campbell’s Kids fame. Fearing accusations of nepotism, he suggested Jessie drop her surname when her art began receiving attention from publishers. (truncated) Gillespie was a prolific illustrator, working for Life, Vogue, and Ladies’ Home Journal, among others, but is best remembered for her silhouettes, especially her instantly recognizable images for the Girl Scouts of America. A charming original illustration by the premiere silhouettist of her day. Pen and ink with gouache correction on Bristol board, measuring 8.75 x 14 inches, on slightly larger sheet. Initialed “J.G.” in lower right image. Verso with artist’s full name (Jessie Gillespie Willing) and address in ink, typed caption label, Life magazine copyright stamp, and printing indications. Mat burn outside of image, blank areas toned. (Inventory #: 1003877)