New Masses (1926)

Frank Walts (1877-1941) was an American artist and civil engineer, born in Lima Township, LaGrange County, Indiana. He is best known for his illustrations for several radical magazines, including The Masses, The Liberator, and New Masses. Walts has been described as an exemplary modernist, particularly for his cover illustrations, such as his depiction of Mary Fuller for the April 1916 issue of The Masses. He served on the board of these magazines and was noted for his portrayal of African Americans for The Crisis magazine. His work was critically discussed by influential figures such as W.E.B. Dubois, who considered Walts "a thoughtful, clear-eyed artist" and defended him against critics.