J. C. Leyendecker - The Iconic Illustrator of the Early 20th Century Artwork

People Hidden In History

These podcast episodes are a collection of historical characters that history has either forgotten or recorded very little of their incredible lives. Some of these people I had a connection with through my family; others have simply made an impression on me. All of these people led fascinating lives and if you are a "history buff" like me, you will enjoy their stories.

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People Hidden In History

J. C. Leyendecker - The Iconic Illustrator of the Early 20th Century

April 11, 2023 • Judy Goffman Cutler • Season 1 • Episode 18

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You will hear about a fascinating artist – J. C. Leyendecker- who's illustrations epitomized the lifestyles of America in the early 20th century. Note: this will be a PG rated episode. His commercial art – primarily in magazines, became an iconic art style from the 1900's through the 1930’s.

Leyendecker was also a major influence for Norman Rockwell, one of America’s most beloved 20th century artists. You will learn of the evolution of Leyendecker's style – from the Paris art scene of the 1900’s to then reflecting the elegant lifestyle of the 1920’s that men and women strived for. But, in clever and subtle ways – his art also reflected his hidden lifestyle.
Episode markers (in mins:secs)

Background – J. C. Leyendecker (3:20)
Trip to Paris and development of style (5:05)
Career with Saturday Evening Post & cover themes (7:50)
Distinctive Leyendecker style & technique (12:10)
Start of Arrow Collar ads & Charles Beach as model (14:23)
The classic Leyendecker “look” (17:50)
Hidden subtext in artwork (20:05)
Artistic influence on Norman Rockwell (21:40)
Later career – late 1920’s on (26:21)
Start of collecting Leyendecker (27:51)
Movie on Leyendecker – Coded (31.29)
Exhibition – NY Historical Society (33:29)

Other links:

National Museum of American Illustration:
- Link to J. C. Leyendecker Artwork
- Link to F. X. Leyendecker Artwork

I am also pleased to announce my podcasts about Amalia Kussner resulted in a biography to be published next Spring! See link here for the Amazon (on sale now).

People Hidden in History information:
Link to Leyendecker Webpage and Illustrations
Website: https://peoplehiddeninhistory.com
Direct link
Basic Website with all Episodes/All Platforms
Twitter(X)/Instagram: @phihpod
Mastodon: @phihpod@historians.social

Image credit: J. C. LEYENDECKER (1874-1951) , COUPLE IN BOAT - ARROW COLLAR AD , 1922, oil on canvas , 20 1/2 x 29 ½ , Arrow Collar advertisement