Joseph Christian Leyendecker

(American, 1874–1951)

Joseph Christian Leyendecker was a highly successful American commercial artist. Born in Montabaur, Germany, in 1874, he moved to the United States with his family at the age of eight and went on to become one of the most acclaimed illustrators of his time. Leyendecker was known for his attention to detail and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with a sense of idealized beauty. 
 
Throughout his career, Leyendecker's work graced the pages of many popular magazines, including the Saturday Evening Post, Collier's Weekly, and Ladies' Home Journal. He was particularly known for his iconic advertising campaigns for Arrow Shirts and Kuppenheimer Clothes, and his illustrations became symbols of the American Dream, exuding elegance, glamour, and sophistication. 
 
Leyendecker was also responsible for creating memorable images of the holiday season, including the illustrations for the popular Arrow Collar Man and Santa Claus advertising campaigns. 
 
In addition to his work as an illustrator, Leyendecker was also a teacher. He served as a mentor to several aspiring artists, including Norman Rockwell. Leyendecker died in 1951 at the age of 77.  
 
One of his most famous paintings, Football Hero, the cover for the Saturday Evening Post, 1914, sold for a record-breaking $4,121,250 at auction, cementing his status as one of the greatest American artists of all time.

Joseph Christian Leyendecker Artworks

Joseph Christian Leyendecker (601 results)
The Sleuth, ca. 1906

Joseph Christian Leyendecker

The Sleuth, ca. 1906

M.S. Rau

Price on Request

Amoco Gas Advertisement

Joseph Christian Leyendecker

Amoco Gas Advertisement

The Illustrated Gallery

Price on Request

Playing Hooky, Post Cover, 1914

Joseph Christian Leyendecker

Playing Hooky, Post Cover, 1914

The Illustrated Gallery

Price on Request

First Long Suit, Post Cover, 1937

Joseph Christian Leyendecker

First Long Suit, Post Cover, 1937

The Illustrated Gallery

Price on Request

Kellogg's Advertisement, 1915

Joseph Christian Leyendecker

Kellogg's Advertisement, 1915

The Illustrated Gallery

Price on Request

Three Amoco Studies , 1946

Joseph Christian Leyendecker

Three Amoco Studies , 1946

The Illustrated Gallery

Price on Request

Woman and Tiger

Joseph Christian Leyendecker

Woman and Tiger

The Illustrated Gallery

Price on Request

Easter Baby Study

Joseph Christian Leyendecker

Easter Baby Study

The Illustrated Gallery

29,000 USD

Three Wise Men, ca. 1900

Joseph Christian Leyendecker

Three Wise Men, ca. 1900

M.S. Rau

Sold

Aviator and Woman in a White Hat

Joseph Christian Leyendecker

Aviator and Woman in a White Hat

M.S. Rau

Price on Request

Study for Butterfly Couple , 1923

Joseph Christian Leyendecker

Study for Butterfly Couple , 1923

The Illustrated Gallery

Price on Request

Christ with Sainted Knights, 1900

Joseph Christian Leyendecker

Christ with Sainted Knights, 1900

The Illustrated Gallery

Price on Request