Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951). Easter, The Saturday Evening Post cover, April 7, 1928. Oil on canva...

Description

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.


More information about Joseph Christian Leyendecker. See also: Leyendecker, Joseph Christian Artist.

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