Is it because classical performers are becoming better known?
Or is the classical market simply relying on the "boy band factor"* ... that you are more likely to buy a CD if it has someone sexy on the cover?
( *also known as the Katherine Jenkins factor)
My recent purchases (not because of the covers, I should add) include ...
Jonas Kaufmann ...
http://www.jonaskaufmann.com/media/images/cover/cover_wagner.jpg
(one feels that one would, wouldn't one)
And Hélène Grimaud ...
http://www.deutschegrammophon.com/imgs/s300x300/4776595.jpg
(one feels that one would, wouldn't one)
I'm sure classical CD's used to have pictures of crappy old paintings, or rustic scenes with fields and rivers (sorry, you probably know what rustic involves). I'll be describing "mountainous" next.