JC Leyendecker (1896)

Gorgeous art from one of the greatest illustration artists to ever put brush to canvas. Drawn in mixed media (ink, watercolor, gouche), it is 10" x 8" and signed with the classic JCL in lower left corner.

This piece is very early (1896), created when Leyendecker was just 22 years old -- 3 years before he would start his amazing run of covers for the Saturday Evening Post. I usually think of Leyendecker's art as more staid, but this piece shows that he knew how to create energy and action when he wanted to. The movement in this piece is amazing!

JC Leyendecker is, of course, one of the big names in early 20th century illustration art. He was probably Rockwell's biggest influence, and they were close friends. While I may not be able to afford a major Leyendecker oil, I couldn't be happier to add this piece from one of the greats to my collection.