A SAINT NICHOLAS TO REMEMBER
Display a striking painting of Santa Claus as the centerpiece of your holiday decorations – it’s an uncomplicated way to make family gatherings even more special. An image of Saint Nichlas distinguishes the décor of your room from its every-day ambiance. Hint: During the holidays temporarily replace an existing wall hanging or, as a modern touch, just rest your framed picture on the mantle against the fireplace. Add a touch of evergreen or holly as an accent. Finished! And adding more images of Santa over time can create a suite of artworks with even more impact.
Below are thumbnail images of Father Christmas. Each shows an aspect of his story and allows you to showcase your favorite part of the account. Each is a quintessential artistic version of Santa Claus by famous American artists. Browse these thumbnails and pick your favorite to display in your home. Start your own holiday tradition for life-long memories!
ORIGINS OF ST. NICHOLAS
The original Saint Nicholas had a long journey to become our Santa Claus. Dating back to the Fourth Century Bishop of Myra (in modern day Turkey) the legend over the centuries migrated to the European continent. His look and symbolism were altered to fit local customs and beliefs, some countries even going so far as trying to outlaw the St. Nicholas yarn.
By the Nineteenth Century the story of the tall, lanky, religious St. Nicholas found its way to the New World. The Americanized story came first, followed by artists’ interpretations.
The initial spark happened during the early 1800s with a book by author Washington Irving and a poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” by Clement Clark Moore (1823). Known now as “The Night Before Christmas,” this narrative portrayed a figure with a rotund, jolly quality. But popular artistic depictions of St. Nick for decades to come continued to range from plump to lanky.
In 1863 at the height of the Civil War eminent political cartoonist Thomas Nast in “Harper’s Weekly” began his annual portrayal of a rotund Santa with a flowing beard which become the quintessential artistic version of Santa Claus. Over the next half century the most famous of American artists offered their versions of the Christmas Eve visit. Magazine illustrators N.C. Wyeth, J.C. Leyendecker and Norman Rockwell followed by Haddon Sundblom (with 35 years of Coke advertisements) truly established a rotund, jolly image as the expected likeness of Saint Nicholas -- or just plain "Santa Claus."
(1) Click favorite images for full view and specifics. (2) Call toll free to order. Old fashioned, but credit card safety foremost.