December Gifts

In 1927, Frank Lloyd Wright designed a series of 12 monthly covers for Liberty Magazine based on seasonal themes. Unfortunately, the publishers judged them as too radical for the time. The magazine returned Wright’s presentation drawings, which became the basis for later interpretations executed in diverse media. Each cover design exemplifies Wright’s practice of using a T-square, triangle, and compass—the tools of his trade—to create lively geometric designs.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s December Gifts is an abstract representation of the holiday season, utilizing geometric forms like intersecting circles and squares to symbolize the spirit of gift-giving. The use of geometric abstraction evokes Wright’s fascination with merging natural and man-made forms. The bold and vibrant reds, greens, and golds conjure the festive mood of the holidays, while the arrangement of shapes suggests abundance and joy. Influenced by both Japanese art and the Art Deco movement, the design embodies his architectural principles of harmony and balance. His ability to weave modernist elements into deeper cultural and natural symbolism is clear, reflecting his broader vision as both an architect and an artist. The design stands as a testament to Wright’s talent for merging abstract modernism with themes of unity, generosity, and nature.