Al Parker (1906-1985) was the artist who defined the progressive look of illustration from the 1940s through the 1960s. He created an idealized reflection of the "Baby Boom" generation with his series of covers for The Ladies' Home Journal in which Mother and Daughter wear matching outfits and enjoy life together. Millions of readers, mostly women, followed his inventive story illustrations in the major magazines. Parker's innovative point of view always made his work stand out from that of other illustrators, and he constantly varied his style and mediums to best fit the requirements of the assignment. His pictures were full of personal touches using carefully selected props and gestures in a manner that invited a closer look. Readers took pleasure in their discovery. He was also a trend setter; his models were depicted in the latest fashions inspiring his readers to follow.