J.C. Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951), Study for King of the Beach

oil and graphite on canvas, unsigned, framed under glass.
Frame dimensions 26 3/4 x 28 3/4 in.
This is a preparatory study for King of the Beach, the cover illustration for the September 3, 1932 issue of The Saturday Evening Post.

Joseph Christian Leyendecker’s illustrations and advertisements fueled a collective visual memory for the early 20th century American public. Over the course of his career, Leyendecker created 322 covers for The Saturday Evening Post, as well as numerous other magazines, including Collier’s and Ladies’ Home Journal. The only illustrator to eclipse his fame was Norman Rockwell and Rockwell was quick to credit Leyendecker as his mentor and inspiration.Joseph Christian Leyendecker’s illustrations and advertisements fueled a collective visual memory for the early 20th century American public. Over the course of his career, Leyendecker created 322 covers for The Saturday Evening Post, as well as numerous other magazines, including Collier’s and Ladies’ Home Journal. The only illustrator to eclipse his fame was Norman Rockwell and Rockwell was quick to credit Leyendecker as his mentor and inspiration.
From the Collection of the late Keith Stanley, Professor Emeritus of Classical Studies at Duke University, North Carolina
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

Canvas has been cut down; some creasing and paint loss to ground; not examined out of the frame.