Happy Birthday, Mr. Leyendecker
Putting The Art In Commercial Art
“I began working for The Saturday Evening Post in 1916,
and Leyendecker was my God.”
Norman Rockwell
Today, I celebrate the birthday of one of my favorite artists, the commercial artist and master illustrator Joseph Christian Leyendecker.
Leyendecker was more than just an illustrator; he was a visionary who shaped the golden age of American illustration. His signature style—crisp, elegant brushwork combined with striking compositions—of striking men—defined an era of advertising and magazine covers.
From his famous Arrow Collar Man to his unforgettable Saturday Evening Post covers, Leyendecker infused every piece with a gay point of view and sophistication.
Leyendecker’s influence on American visual culture is undeniable. Before Norman Rockwell became the household name of nostalgic Americana, it was Leyendecker who set the standard. His innovative approach to advertising blurred the lines between fine art and commercial design, making him a true pioneer in the field.
Beyond his artistic contributions, Leyendecker's personal life is equally worth celebrating. At a time when queerness was often hidden, he lived openly with his partner and muse, Charles Beach, who inspired many of his most iconic works.
As I revisit his work, I’m reminded that great art doesn’t just capture the world—it helps shape how we see and experience the world.
Happy birthday, Mr. Leyendecker…thank you for putting the art in commercial art!
Keep calm, keep creating, and carry on!
Clint 🌈✌️
ON THIS DAY = MARCH 23
BIRTHDAYS
1874 = J. C. Leyendecker = German-born American illustrator 🌈
1887 = Prince Felix Yusupov = Russian aristocrat 🌈
1900 – Erich Fromm = German psychologist and sociologist
190? = Joan Crawford = American actor
1910 = Akira Kurosawa = Japanese filmmaker
1929 = Mark Rydell = American actor, director, and producer
1941 = Ernstine Eckstein = American activist 🌈
1944 = Ric Ocasek = American singer-songwriter
1950 = Terry Sweeney = American comedian, actor, and writer 🌈
1952 = Francesco Clemente = Italian painter and illustrator
1953 = Chaka Khan = American singer-songwriter
1954 = Kenneth Cole = American fashion designer
1959 = Catherine Keener = American actor
1965 = Richard Grieco = American actor, artist, and model
1968 = Damon Albarn = English singer-songwriter, producer and actor
1974 = Randall Park = American actor, director and screenwriter
1976 = Keri Russell = American actor
1978 = Perez Hilton = American blogger 🌈
EVENTS
1775 = Patrick Henry delivers his "Give me liberty or give me death!" speech.
1857 = Elisha Otis's first elevator is installed at 488 Broadway, NYC.
1940 = Truth Or Consequences premieres on NBC Radio.
1977 = The first of The Nixon Interviews is shot with British journalist David Frost interviewing former POTUS Richard Nixon about the Watergate scandal and the Nixon tapes.
1984 = Police Academy is released in theaters.
1987 = The Bold and the Beautiful premieres on CBS.
1990 = Pretty Woman is released in theaters.
HOLIDAYS + OBSERVANCES
PORTRAIT + QUOTE OF THE DAY
“A good cover has a distinct silhouette.”
J. C. Leyendecker
J.C Leyendeck Collection = Art Prints + More
Just wanted you to know that I just finished watching and listening to the whole nearly 3 hours performance early in the career of Jason Mraz. I was simply blown away by how incredibly talented (and nice) he was before becoming a star. There is certainly no doubt that "earned" his way to his success. Those kind of gigs are tough and don't pay much, but he was great and the audience obviously loved it. Thanks again for sharing it.
Nice one Clint