Count down the hours until Christmas with my articles, both old and new, about artistic representations of Santa Claus.
Tag: Christmas
The Sumptuous Saints of Carlo Crivelli
Meet Carlo Crivelli, painter of sumptuously-dressed Madonnas and saints. His rich and beautiful style is part Gothic and part Renaissance, with more than a hint of Byzantine icon painting.
“Pictor Angelicus” – Fra Angelico the Angelic Painter
In honor of the Christmas season, I thought it would be a nice idea to look at an artist famous for his beautiful and elegant angel paintings. I'm speaking, of course, about Fra Angelico.
Lyndhurst at Christmastime
Over the weekend, I visited Lyndhurst mansion to take the Christmas tour. Lyndhurst is a 19th-century Gothic Revival mansion in Tarrytown, New York. It was designed by Alexander Jackson Davis (1803-1892) and owned by three families, lastly that of railroad magnate Jay Gould (1836-1892). The house has all its original contents, including Tiffany stained glass windows and Gothic Revival furniture by Davis and by Herter Brothers.
Santa Claus Imagery Through the Ages (HeadStuff)
A link to my HeadStuff.org article about illustrations of Santa Claus and how his appearance evolved over time. Includes work by illustrators like Thomas Nast and Norman Rockwell.
Four Magical Christmas and Winter Paintings
Eager to get into the holiday spirit? Enjoy this selection of winter and Christmas-themed paintings by American, British, and European artists.
December 25th: Nativity by Jean-Baptiste Marie Pierre
The Christmas Day edition of an art history Advent calendar features a Nativity painting by French artist Jean Baptiste Marie Pierre.
December 24th: Christmas Eve by Edmund Restein
Edmund Restein, Christmas Eve. Photo from americangallery.wordpress.com. As soon as I saw this work, I knew I had to feature it today. It's not just the name that makes it appropriate. It so perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas Eve, at least as I've always experienced it - the early darkness, the inviting light from… Continue reading December 24th: Christmas Eve by Edmund Restein
December 23rd: Christkindlmarkt Am Hof by Carl Wenzel Zajicek
For an art historical Advent calendar, a beautiful, snow-filled painting of a Viennese Christmas market by Austrian painter Carl Wenzel Zajicek.
December 22nd: A Young Girl Dressed Up for Christmas by Kate Greenaway
For a fine art Advent calendar, a charming illustration of a well-dressed little girl by Kate Greenaway.