"So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." - F. Scott Fitzgerald
The final line of The Great Gatsby, the Fitzgerald novel that defined the jazz age. It was the era that ushered in modernity, a time of material excess, liberation, and intoxication. But even in the midst of the party, Fitzgerald could sense the toll such decadence takes on the human soul.
Like so many other Fitzgerald fans, we adore this quotation and its kaleidoscopic meanings. Gatsby, surrounded by unimaginable wealth, prestige and fanfare, dreams only of a future with Daisy that will recreate their past. And yet, his past is what prevents him from attaining that bright future. All pomp and circumstance aside, Gatsby is deeply relatable. Everyone, in their own way, aspires to their own vision of “one fine day.” Everyone is reaching toward the green light. And like Gatsby, we are all eventually borne, against our will, into the past.
In our illustration, a figure rows toward an ethereal, glimmering girl as her dress forms the bay. Her belt resembles a shining city, and a green jewel dangles from a string of pearls.
With one hand she sets the sun, with the other she lifts the moon.
Any 3 prints for $48 (regularly $72)
Code: 3PRINTS
See all prints here
Custom sizes available HERE
My niece is obsessed with with all things Great Gatsby and she loved this as a gift!
Came quickly, securely wrapped and as advertised
This was great! It looks amazing!
Beautiful item! Was perfect for a gift for a friend.
Very good quality sure my granddaughter will love it for Xmas
Beautiful print! My daughter loves it!
It’s a great print. Am excited to get a frame and hang!
Beautiful print, my sister loved her gift!
Love this and will continue to repurchase from this seller.
Arrived quickly! My husband loves it, its his favorite literary quote!
The quality of the print is great and it came earlier than expected.
So We Beat On
So We Beat On
So We Beat On
Love this print! The artistry is amazing. Thanks for the quick shipping too!
So We Beat On
I ordered 2 prints and they are perfect! Incredible quality. This seller has so many great prints to choose from. I appreciate the additional gift as well - it was a pleasant surprise!
Exactly as pictured and packaged perfectly!
The print came a little bit bent in the envelope. Other than that, it is fine.
So We Beat On
Another quality piece from this company. I have received a number of compliments on this. I would happily recommend this company to others.
A top quality print, it looks lovely in my home.
Gorgeous print! Excellent quality!
I always love Obvious State
So We Beat On
So We Beat On
So We Beat On
Beautiful quality and fast shipping!
Obvious State is a creative studio and publisher founded by Nichole and Evan Robertson in 2011.
We make bold, illustrated editions and art drawn from the classics.
Our books and prints are available in our shop and in bookstores and boutiques nationwide.
Our work has been featured at The Folger Shakespeare Library, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The American Writers Museum, The Emily Dickinson Museum, The Library of Congress, The Getty Museum, The Museum of Contemporary Art and more.
Every piece is illustrated by Evan Robertson — a single artistic vision applied to some of the greatest works ever written.
Provocative visuals paired with punctuated language, full of surprising visual metaphors, subtext, and insider nudges.
Our pocket editions are portable art objects made to collect, share, and inspire moments of quiet reflection in an overstimulated digital world.
We’re drawn to language that has stood the test of time, insights that strike a chord, poetry that stretches the imagination, and philosophy that prompts critical thinking.
