The First Edition, 1925

The original 1925 illustration by Francis Cugat depicts the optician’s billboard referenced in the novel. Luminous, featureless eyes, accompanied by a tear, float in the nocturnal New York sky. These eyes symbolize the concept of omnipresent observation. Upon closer inspection, two female figures can be discerned within the eyes, a motif that resonates with the book’s narrative. Titled “Celestial Eyes,” this work stands as one of literature’s most enduring and recognizable images. It is the ideal challenge for a graphic designer and illustrator. This iconic piece of editorial design serves as an ideal starting point to examine the contemporary relevance of a classic such as “The Great Gatsby.”