Underwear man painting

Leyendecker: Celebrating 150 Years

Few people today recognize the name Joseph Christian Leyendecker and yet he was arguably this nation’s most popular commercial artist during the first four decades of the 20th century. His paintings helped sell everything from men’s clothing to breakfast cereal and he helped define the modern magazine cover.

Haggin Museum houses the largest public collection of original artworks by the “Golden Age” illustrator. The museum’s core Leyendecker Gallery displays over 40 pieces of original work and personal ephemera. In honor of the 150th anniversary of his birth, the Haggin is displaying a collection of rarely seen original works and sketches by the artist. The selection includes J.C. and his brother Frank’s sketches, allowing viewers to get a closer look at the artists’ process.
Soldier painting

Claire Chennault of the Flying

Tigers, oil on canvas, c.1944,
Haggin Museum Collection
JC Leyendecker sketch

Sketch by J.C. Leyendecker, Haggin

Museum Collection

Kellogg's Kid, Girl about 12, oil on

canvas, c. 1912-17, Haggin
Museum Collection