Joseph Christian Leyendecker Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Joseph Christian Leyendecker Art Value Price Guide

Mar. 30, 2025
JOSEPH CHRISTIAN LEYENDECKER, SATURDAY EVENING POST (SCRUBBING THE FLOOR) APRIL 1, MAGAZINE COVER PRINT
Est: $175 - $275
Artist: Joseph Christian Leyendecker, American (1874 - 1951) Title: Saturday Evening Post (Scrubbing the Floor) April 1 Year: April 1 1939 Medium: Magazine Cover Print Image Size: 13 x 10 inches Frame Size: 18.5 x 16 inches
RoGallery
Mar. 20, 2025
LEYENDECKER, Joseph C. (1874 - 1951). Chicago Evening Post....
Est: $800 - $1,200
LEYENDECKER, Joseph C. (1874 - 1951). Chicago Evening Post. 1898. Art Deco style poster by Leyendecker, known for his design contributions to the 1920s jazz scene. 27 ½ x 20” cardboard mount. 23 ¾ x 18 ½” actual. Some impressions from handling; small tear to lower edge. A-.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Mar. 06, 2025
JOSEPH CHRISTIAN LEYENDECKER 1874-1951 Arrow collars and shirts 1900 circa
Est: €625 - €750
Litografia a colori, senza indicazione dello stampatore. Qualità: B-. 50,00 x 71,00 cm - Color lithograph, printer unknown. Condition: B-. 19.68 x 27.95 in.
Aste Bolaffi
Dec. 12, 2024
JOSEPH CHRISTIAN LEYENDECKER (1874-1951) Girl in Flowers.
Est: $6,000 - $9,000
JOSEPH CHRISTIAN LEYENDECKER (1874-1951) Girl in Flowers. Study for a portrait of a little girl, circa 1910. Oil on board. Oval, 505x410 mm; 20x16 inches in a 23½x19½-inch frame. Unsigned. A signed letter is affixed to the frame from Walt Reed of Illustration House, dated November 30, 1980: "To whom it may concern: This is to verify my opinion that the unsigned painting (oval, size 21x18") 'Girl in Flowers' is the work of illustrator Joseph Christian Leyendecker (1874-1951)."
Swann Auction Galleries
Dec. 12, 2024
JOSEPH CHRISTIAN LEYENDECKER (1874-1951) Shoo Chickens!
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
JOSEPH CHRISTIAN LEYENDECKER (1874-1951) Shoo Chickens! Study for the cover illustration of The Saturday Evening Post, June 2, 1923. Oil on canvas (re-lined); professionally conserved with scattered inpainting throughout. 540x400 mm; 21¼x15¾ inches (canvas); 24x18½ inches (frame). Unsigned.
Swann Auction Galleries
Dec. 11, 2024
J. C. Leyendecker (1874 - 1951) Oil Study
Est: $5,000 - $8,000
Original Oil Study of a Baby. Oil and Pencil on Canvas. Baby with a Crown on his head. 9 1/2" x 13 1/2". The piece was purchased at Illustration house in 1981. Wonderful work is unsigned.
Weiss Auctions
Nov. 12, 2024
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (1874-1951), "Lucky Bag Girl," circa 1910
Est: $15,000 - $20,000
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (1874-1951) "Lucky Bag Girl," circa 1910 Oil on canvas Signed lower left: J.C. Leyendecker
John Moran Auctioneers
Nov. 07, 2024
LEYENDECKER, Joseph C. (1874 – 1951). Arrow Collars and Shi...
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
LEYENDECKER, Joseph C. (1874 – 1951). Arrow Collars and Shirts. Horizontal poster with Leyendecker’s illustration of a young man in a striped shirt and green tie and a beautiful woman in white and loosely tied scarf, looking out toward the water from their sailboat. 19 ¾ x 27 ¼” (sight). Framed, with Plexigas. Repaired tear into image at lower right and top right with touch-up; few spots of restoration. B+/B.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Nov. 07, 2024
LEYENDECKER, Joseph C. (1874 – 1951). U.S. Marines / Soldie...
Est: $250 - $350
LEYENDECKER, Joseph C. (1874 – 1951). U.S. Marines / Soldiers of the Sea. Circa 1917. Recruiting poster with inset images of Marines in training, recreation, and off-duty. 40 x 30”. Unbacked. Light to moderate creasing and wrinkling in borders. B+/B.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Oct. 06, 2024
JOSEPH CHRISTIAN LEYENDECKER, THE CENTURY - MIDSUMMER HOLIDAY NUMBER, AUGUST, LITHOGRAPH POSTER
Est: $1,700 - $2,000
Artist: Joseph Christian Leyendecker, American (1874 - 1951) Title: The Century - Midsummer Holiday Number, August Year: 1896 Medium: Lithograph Poster Size: 20.5 x 14 in. (52.07 x 35.56 cm)
RoGallery
Sep. 21, 2024
Original 1918 Leyendecker World War I Boy Scouts Poster
Est: $700 - $1,000
Leyendecker, Joseph Christian 1874 - 1951 USA Bonds - Boy Scouts of America Lithograph 1918 29.9 x 20 in. (76 x 51 cm) Printer: American Lithographic Co., New York Condition Details: (A-) on linen (old), small tears and needle holes in the margins#USA #World War I #Boy Scouts
PosterConnection Inc.
Jul. 31, 2024
Joseph Christian Leyendecker, 1874-1951, U.S.A. Bonds Third Liberty Loan Campaign Boy Scouts of America, War Bond Poster
Est: $300 - $500
Joseph Christian Leyendecker 1874-1951 U.S.A. Bonds Third Liberty Loan Campaign Boy Scouts of America War Bond Poster
Nye & Company
Jun. 22, 2024
Gouache, Attributed to Joseph Christian Leyendecker
Est: $200 - $400
Attributed to Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951), Untitled (Boy with Books), gouache on paper, bears signature lower right, sight: 10.5"h x 8.75"w, overall (with frame): 19"h x 17"w
Clars Auctions
Jun. 05, 2024
J. C. Leyendecker (1874 - 1951) Oil Study
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
Original Oil Study of a Baby. Oil and Pencil on Canvas. Baby with a Crown on his head. 9 1/2" x 13 1/2". The piece was purchased at Illustration house in 1981. Wonderful work is unsigned.
Weiss Auctions
May. 17, 2024
Gouache, Attributed to Joseph Christian Leyendecker
Est: $400 - $600
Attributed to Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951), Untitled (Boy with Books), gouache on paper, bears signature lower right, sight: 10.5"h x 8.75"w, overall (with frame): 19"h x 17"w
Clars Auctions
Apr. 19, 2024
Gouache, Attributed to Joseph Christian Leyendecker
Est: $600 - $900
Attributed to Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951), Untitled (Boy with Books), gouache on paper, bears signature lower right, sight: 10.5"h x 8.75"w, overall (with frame): 19"h x 17"w
Clars Auctions
Apr. 19, 2024
Attributed to Joseph Christian Leyendecker)
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
Attributed to Joseph Christian Leyendecker (German/New York, 1874-1951), "Angel", oil on canvas, signed lower right, 27 1/4 in. x 12 in., framed, overall 30 1/4 in. x 14 3/4 in. x 2 1/2 in.
Neal Auction Company
Mar. 22, 2024
AMERICAN SCHOOL (20TH CENTURY) UNCLE SAM SAWING WOOD ILLUSTRATION
Est: $100 - $200
AMERICAN SCHOOL (20TH CENTURY) UNCLE SAM SAWING WOOD ILLUSTRATION, watercolor on paper, depicting Uncle Saw with a buck saw cutting wood on a sawbuck stand, his hat and coat hanging in the background, signed "H. Holler / '32" lower right. After the J. C. Leyendecker (German / American, 1874-1951) July 2, 1932 Saturday Evening Post magazine cover. Framed under glass in a white painted frame, possibly original. 1932. 13 3/4" x 9 3/4" sight, 14 3/4" x 10 3/4" sight.
Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates
Mar. 03, 2024
Arrow Collars and Shirts.
Est: $2,000 - $2,500
ARTIST: JOSEPH C. LEYENDECKER (1874-1951) SIZE: 28 x 19 3/4 in./71 x 50 cm PRINTER: DESCRIPTION: In a nautical vein, Leyendecker puts his fashionable young hero at the helm; as is the Leyendecker norm, an admiring (and admirable) young lady is close at hand. And as usual, with this particular designer at the artistic rudder, the execution is masterful. Although he was one of America’s favorite illustrators and trend setters in graphic design, Leyendecker remained an intensely private person throughout his life. He was born in Germany of Dutch ancestry and brought to the United States at the age of eight with his family, who settled in Chicago. He studied at the Chicago Art Institute while apprenticing as an engraver; from the age of twenty he made his living as an illustrator. His creations for men’s fashions represented a revolutionary achievement: his drawings became synonymous with elegance in America. All copies of this poster indicate that it is based on an original Leyendecker painting. (Art Deco; Fashion; American)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Mar. 03, 2024
Third Liberty Loan / U.S.A. Bonds. 1918.
Est: $1,400 - $1,700
ARTIST: JOSEPH C. LEYENDECKER (1874-1951) SIZE: 20 x 29 7/8 in./50.8 x 75.7 cm PRINTER: American Lithographic Co., New York DESCRIPTION: Just as Girl Scouts are today known for their cookie sales, Boy Scouts were enlisted to sell Liberty Bonds during World War I. But this is no humble boy at a folding table—Leyendecker instead creates a powerful image full of allegorical strength. (War & Propaganda; American)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Dec. 03, 2023
O/P J.C. LEYENDECKER, "STARTING THE DAY " PROV. ALBERT STRAUSMAN, PURCHASED ART STUDENT LEAGUE SALE C. 1950 (9" X 7 1/2" SITE SIZE) (16" X 14" OVERALL)
Est: $2,000 - $5,000
O/P J.C. LEYENDECKER, "STARTING THE DAY " PROV. ALBERT STRAUSMAN, PURCHASED ART STUDENT LEAGUE SALE C. 1950 (9" X 7 1/2" SITE SIZE) (16" X 14" OVERALL)
Carlsen Gallery, Inc.
Nov. 14, 2023
The Oarsman
Est: $200,000 - $300,000
Property of a Gentleman Joseph Christian Leyendecker 1874 - 1951 The Oarsman signed JCLeyendecker (lower right) oil and pencil on canvas 30 by 21 in. 76.2 by 53.3 cm. Executed in 1916.
Sotheby's
Nov. 12, 2023
Get in the Game. 1917.
Est: $2,000 - $2,500
ARTIST: JOSEPH C. LEYENDECKER (1874-1951) SIZE: 18 1/4 x 24 1/2 in./46.3 x 62.3 cm PRINTER: DESCRIPTION: What’s more American than Uncle Sam playing baseball? Leyendecker pulls out all the patriotic stops to get Americans involved in the war effort. (War & Propaganda; Sports; American)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Nov. 12, 2023
The Saturday Evening Post / October 5, 1940.
Est: $1,200 - $1,500
ARTIST: JOSEPH C. LEYENDECKER (1874-1951) SIZE: 21 3/4 x 27 3/4 in./55.5 x 70.7 cm PRINTER: DESCRIPTION: As her husband died five years prior, this poster announces the first time Mrs. Rogers released intimate information about her life with the famed American star. (Modern; Literary; American)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Nov. 12, 2023
The August Century / Midsummer Holiday Number. 1896.
Est: $2,000 - $2,500
ARTIST: JOSEPH C. LEYENDECKER (1874-1951) SIZE: 14 5/8 x 20 1/4 in./37.2 x 51.5 cm PRINTER: W. B. Orcutt, New York DESCRIPTION: This is the prize-winning design in The Century’s contest that got Joseph Leyendecker started on his long career. The model’s gold hair and the red stylized poppies dominate the inviting design. Although he was one of America’s favorite illustrators and trend setters in graphic design, Leyendecker remained an intensely private person throughout his life. He was born in Germany of Dutch ancestry and came to the United States with his family at the age of eight, where they settled in Chicago. He studied at the Chicago Art Institute while apprenticing as an engraver; from the age of twenty he made his living as an illustrator. (Art Nouveau; Literary; American)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Nov. 08, 2023
Joseph Christian Leyendecker
Est: $150,000 - $250,000
Joseph Christian Leyendecker German/American 1874-1951 Father Rushing Home with an Armload of Gifts, The Saturday Evening Post Cover, December 4, 1909 Signed J C Leyendecker (lr) Oil on canvas laid to Masonite 27 1/8 x 20 1/2 inches Literature: The Saturday Evening Post, December 4, 1909, illus. cover Laurence S. and Judy Goffman Cutler, J. C. Leyendecker: American Imagist, New York, 2008, illus. unpaginated. (Framed: 32 x 25 1/2 inches) The unstretched canvas has been mounted to Masonite. There is inpainting to address losses along a crease that runs diagonally from the center of the right edge to the upper right. There are various other spots of inpainting to address losses, most notably in the subject's hat, collar, and coat.
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Oct. 14, 2023
J.C. Leyendecker "Little Boy Big Bowl" Study
Est: $800 - $1,200
Depicting a little boy dipping his spoon into a bowl of cereal, with Leyendecker's layout grid visible, and a damaged copy of an original 1915 Kelloggs advertisement, marked on the verso of the board "SKETCH OF BOY/FOR CORN FLAKE ADV./BY J.C. LEYENDECKER". Note: This study was done for a Kelloggs advertisement for corn flakes cereal.
Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers
Oct. 14, 2023
J.C. Leyendecker Peeling Apples Study
Est: $800 - $1,200
Depicting an old woman peeling apples for Thanksgiving with unfinished bowl and visible layout grid. Note: "Peeling Apples" was painted for the Thanksgiving Saturday Evening Post Cover in 1925.
Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers
Sep. 30, 2023
Original 1918 LEYENDECKER World War I Boy Scouts Poster
Est: $700 - $1,000
Leyendecker, Joseph Christian 1874 - 1951 USA Bonds - Boy Scouts of America Lithograph 1918 29.9 x 20 in. (76 x 51 cm) Printer: American Lithographic Co., New York Condition Details: (B+/A-) minimal edge tears, tiny loss in the top left corner, two tiny holes and minor staining at the top#USA #World War I #Boy Scouts
PosterConnection Inc.
Sep. 23, 2023
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (1874-1951), "America Calls Enlist in the Navy", World War I poster, signed in plate, printed by the U.S. Navy Publicity Bureau 318 W 39th St NY, 40"x28"
Est: $200 - $400
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (1874-1951) "America Calls Enlist in the Navy" World War I poster signed in plate printed by the U.S. Navy Publicity Bureau 318 W 39th St NY 40"x28"
Nadeau's Auction Gallery
Aug. 11, 2023
JOSEPH CHRISTIAN LEYENDECKER, SATURDAY EVENING POST (SCRUBBING THE FLOOR) APRIL 1, MAGAZINE COVER PRINT
Est: $200 - $275
Artist: Joseph Christian Leyendecker, American (1874 - 1951) Title: Saturday Evening Post (Scrubbing the Floor) April 1 Year: April 1 1939 Medium: Magazine Cover Print Edition: Image Size: 13 x 10 inches Frame Size: 18.5 x 16 inches
RoGallery
Aug. 03, 2023
JOSEPH C. LEYENDECKER (1874-1951). ORDER COAL NOW. 1918. 29½x20 inches, 75x51 cm. Edwards and Deutsch Litho Co., Chicago.
Est: $800 - $1,200
JOSEPH C. LEYENDECKER (1874-1951) ORDER COAL NOW. 1918. 29 1/2x20 inches, 75x51 cm. Edwards and Deutsch Litho Co., Chicago. Condition A- / A: minor tear at bottom edge; creases at edges. Paper. Originally painted in oils, Leyendecker produced this poster for the Division of Pictorial Publicity, which passed their designs on to government departments, in this case the U.S. Fuel Administration, free of charge. In commenting on this piece, The Poster magazine declared, "this virile poster . . . is one of the best that have had their origins in the war." Rawls p. 8, DFP-I 285, IWM I 40, Darracott 29, Keay p. 70, Theofiles 89.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jul. 27, 2023
Joseph Christian Leyendecker, The Century - Midsummer Holiday Number, August, Poster
Est: $1,700 - $2,000
Artist: Joseph Christian Leyendecker, American (1874 - 1951) Title: The Century - Midsummer Holiday Number, August Year: of Original: 1896 Medium: Poster Size: 20.5 x 14 in. (52.07 x 35.56 cm)
RoGallery
Jul. 18, 2023
The Saturday Evening Post / Robert E. Lee. 1940.
Est: $1,700 - $2,000
ARTIST: JOSEPH C. LEYENDECKER (1874-1951) SIZE: 21 3/4 x 28 in./55.4 x 71.2 cm DESCRIPTION: Leyendecker pays homage to the American Civil War Confederate general Robert E. Lee in this Saturday Evening Post poster. (Modern; Literary; American)
Poster Auctions International Inc
May. 31, 2023
J Leyendecker 1874-1951 Saturday Evening Post 1914
Est: $10,000 - $30,000
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951). Original illustration art oil painting on canvas, used for the cover of the October 24, 1914 issue of The Saturday Evening Post magazine, titled "Cobb's Story of the War". The work depicts a seated woman in milk maiden clothing grieving with her head down on the table, having recently received a war time letter now on the floor, insinuating unfortunate news from the front lines. A young girl is shown observing the scene, adding an emotional depth to the overall composition. The artist's signature to lower right. Having hand signed pencil inscription and numbers on verso. Presented in a period carved wood frame. Accompanied by a hardcover reference book titled "J.C. Leyendecker" by Michael Schau, published in 1974 by Watson Guptill Publications, New York. The illustration is featured on page 179. Work Size: 30 x 21 in. Dimensions: 36.5 X 28 X 2.5 in. Condition: Good to fair antique condition with mild age related surface wear, aged toning, with a small loss to upper right. Frame having moderate storage wear to edges and corners. Estate fresh to the market. Shipping: Hill Auction Gallery does not offer in-house shipping for this item. Gallery will refer third party shippers for all domestic and international buyers. Purchaser pick up available upon request. Got something to sell? Contact us at HillAuctionGallery.com
Hill Auction Gallery
May. 25, 2023
JOSEPH CHRISTIAN LEYENDECKER - 2 ARROW BRAND ADVERTISEMENTS
Est: $200 - $400
Lot 209 Joseph Christian Leyendecker German/American (1874-1951) 2 Arrow Brand Advertisements lithographic poster sight (each): 15 1/4 x 10 1/4 inches frame dimensions (larger): 19 7/8 x 13 1/2 x 1 1/4 inches, metal frame with glazing Provenance: From a Private Collection
Capsule Gallery Auction
May. 19, 2023
Joseph Christian Leyendecker
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
(German/America, 1874-1951) The Skater, an advertisement for Interwoven Socks, circa 1920s, inscribed stretcher verso "The Skater/J.C. Leyendecker (Interwoven ad)", oil on canvas, 19 x 11 in.; reproduction gilt wood and composition frame, 26-1/4 x 18-1/4 in. Provenance: The American Illustrator Collection of Sarah S. Harrison, Wilmington, Delaware
Brunk Auctions
May. 18, 2023
J.C. Leyendecker, ink and oil on canvas, c. 1895
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951), "Elegant Couple", no signature observed, possibly for "Success Magazine", giltwood frame, 13.25"h x 15"w (sight), 18.5"h x 20"w (frame)
Millea Bros Ltd
May. 12, 2023
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951) Easter Promenade, The Saturda
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951) Easter Promenade, The Saturday Evening Post cover study, circa 1932 Oil on canvas 20-1/2 x 27-1/8 inches (52.1 x 68.9 cm) PROVENANCE: Private collection, New Rochelle, New York, 1952; By descent from the above; Heritage Auctions, Dallas, May 7, 2021, lot 67169; Private collection, Bethesda, Maryland, acquired from the above. HID01801242017
Heritage Auctions
May. 12, 2023
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951) Couple Descending Staircase,
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951) Couple Descending Staircase, Arrow Collar advertisement study, circa 1932 Oil on canvas 18-3/4 x 4-7/8 inches (47.6 x 12.4 cm) Property from the Shep Brozman Family Collection of Illustration Art HID01801242017
Heritage Auctions
May. 12, 2023
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951) Apple Picking, Success Magazi
Est: $30,000 - $50,000
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951) Apple Picking, Success Magazine cover study, circa 1908 Oil on canvas 25 x 18-1/4 inches (63.5 x 46.4 cm) PROVENANCE: Private collection, New York. The present work is accompanied by a copy cover tearsheet of the October 1908 Success magazine . HID01801242017
Heritage Auctions
May. 12, 2023
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951) Easter, The Saturday Evening
Est: $200,000 - $300,000
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951) Easter, The Saturday Evening Post cover, April 7, 1928 Oil on canvas 27 x 18-1/2 inches (68.6 x 47.0 cm) Signed with artist's monogram lower right: JCL PROVENANCE: Richard Amsel; Estate of the above; Walter Reed, Illustration House, New York, acquired from the above; Private collection, New Mexico, acquired from the above, 1987. One of the most prolific and sought-after artists of the Golden Age of Illustration, Joseph Christian Leyendecker continuously captivates the public with his striking, depictions of handsome men, glamorous women, and adorable children. Easter of 1928 encapsulates the artist's talent as both an artist and a designer. This visually stunning Post cover showcases Leyendecker's distinctive aesthetic amalgamation of Art Nouveau and fantasy, two styles he adored and incorporated into many a composition throughout his venerated career. The meaning behind Leyendecker's chosen subject for Easter harkens back to German Middle-Age literature. The daring yet elegant knight central to this work is Parzival from the 13th century epic poem by Wolfram von Eschenbach, which would later become one of Richard Wagner's most famous operas, Parsifal (completed in 1882). The story of Parzival follows the tale of this Arthurian knight (Percival in English) in his quest for the Holy Grail. Upon many travails, Parzival succeeds with the basic tenants of chivalry -- humility, chastity, compassion, sympathy, and the quest for spirituality. Parzival epitomizes these traits, most especially chastity as seen in Act II of Wagner's Opera where the knight enters Klingsor's garden to find the magical flower maidens, but he is slow to respond to their seductions. To quote the maidens, "How meanly timid and cold you are! Would you have the flowers woo the butterfly?" In Easter, Leyendecker drapes his subject's eyes with the sumptuous wings of the butterfly in the background, as if Parzival is declaring that this soul cannot see the flowers and cannot be tempted to sin – "Have don! You shall not catch me!" Leyendecker's butterfly wings are lavish and bold, evoking the high drama and romance of the Art Nouveau movement. His hero stands proud and erect with a striking, chiseled jawline and shielded arm – almost bride-like with eyes veiled and curvaceous wings. Leyendecker has carefully and intentionally designed his subject to appear mysterious and multi-faceted: he is unrepentant yet righteous, masculine yet feminine. In quintessential Leyendecker fashion, this androgynous butterfly knight has come completely out of his cocoon to spread his wings. Aside from its dazzling execution, the present work is equally notable in that it represents the Post's transition into producing full-color prints. Unlike earlier covers for the Post, this piece encapsulates a vibrant palette, due to such advances in printing technology. The flawless combination of technical prowess, incredible color and quintessential subject matter brands Easter one of Leyendecker's most stylish illustrations to come to market in recent years. HID01801242017
Heritage Auctions
May. 12, 2023
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951) Fourth of July, The Saturday
Est: $200,000 - $300,000
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951) Fourth of July, The Saturday Evening Post cover, July 1, 1911 Oil on canvas laid on board 28 x 20-1/2 inches (71.1 x 52.1 cm) Signed lower right: JCLeyendecker PROVENANCE: Private collection, Roseville, California. A sensitive observer, Leyendecker also created poignant, whimsical works capturing the antics of children, as evidenced by his iconic, recurring New Year's Baby created exclusively for The Saturday Evening Post. To many collector and historians, Leyendecker's scenes of children are some of the finest of his entire oeuvre. Fourth of July of 1911 typifies Leyendecker's masterful ability to story-tell using a precocious young boy pranking a puffed policeman rendered in his distinctive staccato painting style. Born in Montabaur, Germany, Leyendecker came to Chicago with his Catholic family at age eight. He apprenticed to a printer, J. Manz and Co., and then studied with John Vanderpoel at the Chicago Art Institute. In 1896, he won the Century magazine cover competition, which essentially launched him professionally. Two years later, he went to Paris to the Académie Julian with his brother, Francis Xavier, and they learned the "hachure" method of drawing whereby blended shading was not allowed. It was a time when poster art was very popular, and when he returned to America, the artist applied these new methods to his work. With a secret recipe combining oil and turpentine, J.C. and his brother, Frank, perfected a crosshatch method of working in oil paint that gave the speed of pencil and the visual impact of color without the brush going dry. In Fourth of July a darling young boy, ginger hair tousled and pant legs rolled up, sneaks behind the idle policeman to mischievously light a firework. The boy has clearly been celebrating the patriotic holiday with more than just a little fun -- on the verge of laughter and ready to run. Leyendecker, an expert illustrator, juxtaposes the figures not only in size, dress, and demeanor but also in composition in order to capture the climactic moment just before the firework goes BANG! This whimsical child-like moment is perfectly applied with Leyendecker's hallmark cross-hatching technique from the background to the details of the figures' clothes. The result is a highly refined, wonderfully descriptive snapshot of a timeless childhood mischief. HID01801242017
Heritage Auctions
May. 12, 2023
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951) Basting the Turkey, The Satur
Est: $80,000 - $120,000
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951) Basting the Turkey, The Saturday Evening Post cover, November 28, 1935 Oil on canvas 31 x 24 inches (78.7 x 61.0 cm) Signed with artist's monogram lower right: JCL PROVENANCE: Private collection, Roseville, California. HID01801242017
Heritage Auctions
May. 06, 2023
JOSEPH CHRISTIAN LEYENDECKER, (American, 1874-1951), Lucky Bag Girl, hand-painted print, sight: 4 1/2 x 4 in., frame: 12 5/8 x 11 7/8 in.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
JOSEPH CHRISTIAN LEYENDECKER (American, 1874-1951) Lucky Bag Girl hand-painted print signed Leyendecker lower left
Grogan & Company
Mar. 26, 2023
The August Century / Midsummer Holiday Number. 1896.
Est: $2,000 - $2,500
ARTIST: JOSEPH C. LEYENDECKER (1874-1951) SIZE: 15 1/2 x 20 3/4 in./39.5 x 53 cm PRINTER: W. B. Orcutt Co., New York DESCRIPTION: This is the prize-winning design in The Century’s contest that got Joseph Leyendecker started on his long career. The model’s gold hair and the red stylized poppies dominate the inviting design. Although he was one of America’s favorite illustrators and trend setters in graphic design, Leyendecker remained an intensely private person throughout his life. He was born in Germany of Dutch ancestry and came to the United States with his family at the age of eight, where they settled in Chicago. He studied at the Chicago Art Institute while apprenticing as an engraver; from the age of twenty he made his living as an illustrator. (Art Nouveau; Literary; American)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Mar. 26, 2023
The Saturday Evening Post / October 5, 1940.
Est: $1,200 - $1,500
ARTIST: JOSEPH C. LEYENDECKER (1874-1951) SIZE: 21 3/4 x 27 3/4 in./55.4 x 70.6 cm DESCRIPTION: As her husband died five years prior, this poster announces the first time Mrs. Rogers released intimate information about her life with the famed American star. (Modern; Literary; American)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Mar. 23, 2023
Poster, USA Bonds/Boy Scouts of America, J.C. Leyendecker
Est: $200 - $400
(New York, 1874-1951) USA Bonds/Third Liberty Loan Campaign, Boy Scouts of America, signed lower right in stone "J.C. Leyendecker", American Lithographic Co., New York, circa 1918, lithographic poster, 30-1/16 x 20 in.; unframed Provenance: Private Collection
Brunk Auctions