Summary
Mad Men's Don Draper, played by Jon Hamm, is immortalized in a stunning watercolor fan art, speaking to the enduring popularity of the character.
The artwork commemorates the 16th anniversary of the pilot episode, a momentous occasion in television history. Mad Men's influence extends beyond its enthralling narrative and outstanding performances, as the series pioneered a new era of television and inspired other highly acclaimed AMC shows such as Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead.
Don Draper, the charismatic ad executive played by Jon Hamm in Mad Men, has been immortalized in a beautiful watercolor-style fan art. The critically acclaimed and popular drama, set in the 1960s and created by Matthew Hoffman Weiner, aired from 2007 to 2015, capturing the audience's attention for seven seasons. Hamm's portrayal of Draper not only made him the central figure of the show but also turned him into one of the most unforgettable and iconic characters in television history.
Now, after eight years since the finale of Mad Men, artist Brianna Ashby has shared a stunning piece of art on Twitter featuring Draper, still exuding his sharpness in a mesmerizing watercolor-like depiction. Take a look at the artwork below:
The post, shared in July, marks 16 years since the premiere of "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," the pilot episode of the show, with Ashby proclaiming its revolutionary impact on the cultural landscape.
Why Mad Men Remains So Iconic
Before Mad Men, AMC lacked the reputation it now boasts. Weiner's series marked the network's initial foray into original programming. At first glance, the show had little in its favor. The majority of its cast consisted of relatively unknown actors, and its lead star was obscure to most. The main attraction lay in Weiner's involvement, as he had previously served as a writer and producer on HBO's The Sopranos.
Mad Men quickly emerged as a standout show, particularly after receiving heaps of acclaim during its first season at awards shows. Viewers were captivated by the impeccable 1960s fashion and set design, as well as the outstanding characters and writing. The show's protagonist, Draper, portrayed the ideal leading man, delving into the enigmatic and charismatic nature of this advertising executive.
Not only did Mad Men boast exceptional production quality and mesmerizing performances from actors such as Hamm, Moss, Jones, Hendricks, and Slattery, but it also left an indelible mark on the television landscape. Weiner's creation marked the beginning of a new era in television, paving the way for future AMC hits like Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead. This groundbreaking show also challenged HBO's monopoly on top-notch TV programming, firmly establishing itself as a destination for high-quality content.
Source: @brianna_ashby/ Twitter