Joseph Christian Leyendecker
1874-1951 | American
Boy Holding Pumpkin Carving of Teddy Roosevelt
Saturday Evening Post cover, October 26, 1912
Signed "J.C. Leyendecker” (lower right)
Oil on canvas
Executed for the October 26, 1912 cover of the
Saturday Evening Post,
Boy Holding a Pumpkin Carving of Teddy Roosevelt encapsulates J.C. Leyendecker's signature style. Bold and cheerful, the cover depicts a child proudly holding a Jack-o'-lantern he has carved in the visage of the former president. Renowned for his ability to capture the character of his models and convey a story through a single scene, Leyendecker's works are as engaging today as they were over a century ago.
As the most popular and in-vogue cover artist for the
Saturday Evening Post of his age, Leyendecker was commissioned to illustrate the most important editions of the publication and, most notably, the holiday issues. His Easter, New Years', Christmas and Halloween covers would become annual events for the
Post’s millions of readers. This is a particularly charming example of these highly popular — and highly coveted — cover creations.
Born in Germany in 1874, Leyendecker emerged as a major talent near the turn of the 20th century, becoming the most well-liked and sought-after American illustrator of his day. In 1898, Leyendecker produced the first of 48 covers for
Collier’s magazine. The next year, he painted his first cover for
Saturday Evening Post magazine, which was the beginning of a 44-year association with that esteemed publication. Over the course of his career, he would also paint covers for Life magazine, illustrations for a library of books, and transform advertising for such companies as B. Kuppenheimer & Co. and Interwoven Socks.
His remarkable and extensive oeuvre ensured his influence over an entire generation of young artists, most notably Norman Rockwell, who was vocal about the impact of Leyendecker on his work. His unique hatching technique makes his distinctive style instantly recognizable, and he remains one of the most beloved American illustrators of the early 20th century.
Circa 1912
Canvas: 24" high x 20" wide
Frame: 31" high x 27" wide
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