Three Wise Men

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Joseph Christian Leyendecker
Three Wise Men
circa 1900

About the Item

The three wise men present their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn baby Jesus in this elegant, well-finished study by J.C. Leyendecker. Created in preparation for the Christmas cover of the December 1900 Success magazine, the piece is exemplary of Leyendecker’s distinct, hatched illustration style that conveys strength and sophistication with ease. The figure’s richly colored robes and reverent poses capture the character of the Bible story, while his unmistakable modern aesthetic lends a fresh perspective to these icons. Leyendecker was the preeminent illustrator of his era, and he is remembered today for his numerous magazine covers, where the artist was commissioned to illustrate the most high-profile editions of the publication and, most notably, the holiday issues. This particular piece, because it is a preliminary study, provides an intriguing look into his artistic process for these important covers. Leyendecker would experiment with color, pattern and positioning in his studies, evidenced here by the detail sketches of chain mail texture and praying hands on the perimeter of the composition. A favorite among collectors, such studies are exceptionally rare and truly delightful glimpses into Leyendecker’s work. 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 1900 Canvas: 18" high x 27" wide Frame: 24 1/2" high x 33 1/2" wide

Creator:
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (1874 - 1951, American)
Creation Year:
circa 1900
Dimensions:
Height: 24.5 in (62.23 cm)Width: 33.5 in (85.09 cm)
Medium:
Canvas,Oil
Period:
Early 20th Century
Condition:
Gallery Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 31-41001stDibs: LU1868920612

Shop All Joseph Christian Leyendecker

Joseph Christian Leyendecker

Joseph Christian "J.C." Leyendecker was born in Germany in 1874. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1882. His eldest brother, Adolph, became a prominent stained glass artist, and Joe, as he was called, had an early artistic calling.

After studying at the Chicago Art Institute under John H. Vanderpoel, J.C. Leyendecker enrolled at the Académie Julien in 1896, where he studied for a year with his younger brother Frank in the Beaux-Arts tradition. During his time there, he was exposed to and influenced by the works of Art Nouveau painters and printmakers Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Jules Chéret and Alphonse Mucha, with whom he formed a strong friendship. The next year, he staged his first one-man exhibition at the Salon du Champ-de-Mars and made the auspicious acquaintance of Paul Gauguin.

In 1898, Leyendecker produced the first of 48 covers for Collier’s magazine. The next year, he painted his first cover for The Saturday Evening Post magazine, which was the beginning of a 44-year association with that esteemed publication. Throughout 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 work for Arrow Shirt is the most well-known and beloved.

Using his lover and manager, Charles Beach, as a model, Leyendecker created the ultimate image of modern American masculinity. His work for Kuppenheimer, also known as the House of Kuppenheimer, is just as iconic. Founded in 1876, the company became the manufacturer of uniforms for the United States Army during World War I. Thanks to Leyendecker's advertising, the firm became synonymous with the ultimate in male taste and desirability.

Unfortunately, near the end of his career, as Leyendecker’s associations with Collier’s and The Saturday Evening Post came to an end, his work fell into obscurity. When he died in 1951, his great friend Norman Rockwell, who commemorated their relationship in his painting Waiting for the Art Editor, served as one of his pallbearers.

Find original J.C. Leyendecker prints and paintings on 1stDibs.

(Biography provided by M.S. Rau)