Genuine antique front cover of "The Saturday Evening Post", Nov. 6, 1937; showing "Raking Leaves", by J.C. Leyendecker; signed in plate, genuine offset lithograph in vintage wooden glass frame.

Joseph Christian Leyendecker (1874-1951) was one of the preeminent American illustrators of the early 20th century. He is best known for his posters, book and advertising illustrations, the trade character known as "The Arrow Collar Man"; and his numerous covers for "The Saturday Evening Post".

Between 1896 and 1950, Leyendecker painted more than 400 magazine covers. During the Golden Age of American Illustration, for "The Saturday Evening Post" alone, J.C. Leyendecker produced 322 covers, as well as many advertisement illustrations for its interior pages. No other artist, until the arrival of Norman Rockwell; two decades later, was so solidly identified with one publication.

Leyendecker virtually invented the whole idea of modern magazine design. As the premier cover illustrator for the enormously popular "Saturday Evening Post" for much of the first half of the 20th century, Leyendecker's work both reflected and helped mold many of the visual aspects of the era's culture in America. The mainstream image of Santa Claus as a jolly fat man in a red fur-trimmed coat was popularized by Leyendecker, as was the image of the New Year Baby. The tradition of giving flowers as a gift on Mother's Day was started by Leyendecker's May 30, 1914 "Saturday Evening Post" cover depicting a young bellhop carrying hyacinths. It was created as a commemoration of President Woodrow Wilson's declaration of Mother's Day as an official holiday that year.Leyendecker was a chief influence upon, and friend of, Norman Rockwell.

In particular, the early work of Norman Rockwell for the "Saturday Evening Post" bears a strong superficial resemblance to that of Leyendecker. While today it is generally accepted that Norman Rockwell established the best-known visual images of Americana, in many cases they are derivative of Leyendecker's work, or reinterpretations of visual themes established by Rockwell's idol. [wiki]

Rates vary per zone/ country, we will adjust shipping price with the invoice.

US: Priority (c.2-4 days) -------- $36.50
Canada: Priority (c.2-6 weeks) --- $48.50
World: Priority (c.2-8 weeks) ---- $75.50

The cover is c.11" x 14" (a little wear", very good condition. The frame is 11.7/8" x 14.7/8" [29.7cm x 37.5cm]