John La Gatta

John La Gatta (1907–1977) was a renowned American illustrator best known for his work in advertising and magazine illustration during the mid-20th century. Born in Naples, Italy, he moved to the United States as a child after his mother’s death. Displaying early artistic talent, he studied at the Parsons School of Design and began his career working for prominent agencies like N.W. Ayer & Son. La Gatta gained recognition for his distinctive style, characterized by bold lines and vibrant colors, often using charcoal and oil paint on illustration board. His work appeared in major publications such as *The Saturday Evening Post*, *Collier’s*, and *Look* magazine, earning him widespread acclaim. He created iconic illustrations for brands like Woodbury Soap, Laros Silk Lingerie, and Sally Forth comics with screenwriter Borden Chase. Despite the shift toward photography in media during the 1940s, La Gatta continued to work as a portrait painter and educator. In 1956, he joined the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he mentored future illustrators like Bob Peak and Don Shaeffer. La Gatta’s career was marked by financial struggles and health issues, including multiple stomach surgeries. He died in Santa Monica, California, in 1977, leaving behind a legacy as a celebrated illustrator and educator. Posthumously, the Society of Illustrators honored him with induction into its Hall of Fame in 1984 and recognized him as a Distinguished Educator in 2011. His son, John H.O. La Gatta, went on to found Olds Securities Corporation and later the non-profit Catamount ...