J.C. Leyendecker -
J.C. Leyendecker -
1874-1951
American Illustrator, producing drawings and paintings for hundereds of posters, books, and advertisements, magazine covers and stories.
He was one of the most financially successful freelance commercial artists in the U.S
He never married and lived with another man, Charles A. Beach, for most of his adult life (1903-1951)
Beach was Leyendecker’s studio manager and frequent model.
It is widely theorized that the pair were lovers, or the very least Leyendecker was gay.
Upon his death the illustrator directed that his estate be divided equally between his sister and Beach.
Additionally, he wanted his drawings to be burned upon his death, however, Beach instead sold many of them at a lawn sale.
The below was J.C. Leyendecker’s last commissioned piece of artwork.
Below is illustrations by J.C. Leyendecker’s brother, Frank Xavier Leyendecker (1876-1924)
