Curriculum Materials: Amazing Animals in Art Image 3 Philip R. Goodwin American, 1881-1935 A "Bear" Chance Theme Essays: Background About this Object Style About the Artist Questions: Suggested Questions: K-3 Suggested Questions: 4-6 Background The late 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century was the golden age of illustration. During this period, books and periodicals were major sources of public entertainment. Periodicals were in every home, and illustrated novels were widely read. Since photography was not yet an alternative for publishers, illustrators served as reporters, providing a visual portrayal of the American scene. During the early part of the 20th century, the Cream of Wheat Company advertised its cereal in many publications.1 In one of the most successful campaigns in American advertising, the company commissioned popular artists to produce paintings for advertisements, which were reproduced in magazines such as Ladies' Home Journal, Saturday Evening Post, Colliers, and McClure's. Among these works was Philip Goodwin's A "Bear" Chance, commissioned by the Cream of Wheat Company in 1906 and completed in 1907. The painting graced the office walls of the Minneapolis company, which later became part of Nabisco. In 1970 the Nabisco Company donated the painting to The Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Throughout the history of advertising, animals have been used to promote products and concepts, attracting human interest with their popular appeal and fascinating, mysterious qualities. Many examples come to mind that are widely recognized today, for instance, Tony the Tiger, Charley Tuna, and Smokey Bear. Introduction ~ Index of Images ~ Glossary ~ Amazing Animals Activities ~ How to Order ~ Your Comments Wanted 1 First marketed in 1893 by a group of flour millers in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Cream of Wheat cereal was an instant popular success. The growing business moved to Minneapolis in 1897, where it remains today as the Special Products Division of the National Biscuit Company.