Jim Butcher (American, B. 1944) "Santa and Sleigh over Rooftop" Signed and dated (1984) lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting was originally used on the Fleetwood Combination First Day Cover for the U.S. Christmas 1984 stamps issued October 30, 1984.

In the early 1800s, America's traditional Christmas time gift-giver was St. Nicholas, a tall, rather stern-looking figure clad in bishop's robes. Brought over to the New World by Dutch settlers, this seasonal character was called Sinterklaas and was aided in his work by a single reindeer. To America's English-speaking children, Sinterklaas became Santa Claus. And as his name changed, Santa's image changed as well. In his Knickerbocker's History of New York, published in 1809, author Washington Irving drew a decidedly different visual picture of Santa Claus. Gone was the stately, patrician look of the original St. Nicholas. In his stead, Irving portrayed a jolly fellow who closely resembled New York's Dutch settlers. Wearing baggy breeches and a broad-billed hat, this pipe-smoking character rode a wagon through the night sky and dropped presents down chimneys as he passed. Clement C. Moore penned his classic Christmas tale in 1822, and in his story Santa's appearance had altered considerably. Clad in a red suit bound with white fur, this chubby Santa slid down chimneys to deliver his toys and drove a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer whose names Moore also immortalized: "Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen!"

Image Size: 15.25 x 13.25 in.
Overall Size: 20 x 15 in.
Unframed.
(B99043)

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20 x 15 in