J.C. Leyendecker (1874-1951), cover illustration for “The Saturday Evening Post,” March 30, 1929. Norman Rockwell Museum Collections, gift of William Hargreaves. ©SEPS: Curtis Licensing, Indianapolis, IN

J.C. Leyendecker, the Golden Age illustrator and hero to Norman Rockwell, was born on this date back in 1874. Visitors helped us celebrate by joining us for the opening of our new exhibition, J.C. Leyendecker and The Saturday Evening Post.

This past Saturday, March 21, Norman Rockwell Museum presented a special lecture with Judy and Laurence Cutler, authors of J.C. Leyendecker: American Imagist. The founders of the National Museum of American Illustration offered a thorough look at Leyendecker’s artistic influence–from the Arrow Collar to his New Year’s Baby–comparing many of his works stylistically with those created by Norman Rockwell. Also on hand, Joan SerVaas, Owner/CEO of Curtis Publishing Company, helped us pay tribute to her father, the late Dr. Beurt SerVaas, who revitalized The Saturday Evening Post over 44 years ago.

We thank all of our lenders of original artwork, as well as our donors Valerie and George Kennedy, Carol Konner, and William Hargreaves (whose gift of all 322 Leyendecker Post covers is now on view in the exhibition). J.C. Leyendecker and The Saturday Evening Post is on view through June 14, 2015.

Learn more at the exhibition webpage

View photos from the exhibition opening event

Buy Leyendecker-related projects in our Museum Store