How did Ida Tarbell help end the Standard Oil monopoly? What is annual increase cap discount for flood insurance? In 1863, a drawing was made by the cartoonist Thomas Nast for the magazine Harper's Weekly. During Christmas in 1862 Nast first drew Santa Claus but the drawings first appeared on the cover of the January 3, 1863, issue of Harpers Weekly, and shows Santa Claus visiting a Civil War Camp. She holds a bachelors degree in Communication from Hofstra University where she graduated with honors. Discover the best of France-Amrique every week in our newsletter. Why did Nast draw Santa? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. Nast first drew him for the January 3, 1863, edition of Harper's Weekly. The book helped popularize the character of Santa Claus and give him an unprecedented profile. Other artists, including Haddon Sundblom and J.C. Leyendecker, also contributed to the development of the Santa Claus character. In 1822, the American writer Clement Clark Moore featured Santa Claus/Saint Nicholas heavily in his poem A Visit from Saint Nicholas. Thomas H. Nast, Photograped by Sarony, Union Square, N.Y. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf.. The most famous among them was Thomas Nast (1840-1902), a caricaturist of German descent and godfather of the American cartoon. 11 Most Expensive Comic Illustrations Auctioned in the Last 10 Years. In the 19th century, British and American culture transformed Christmas into the wholesome holiday celebrated today. Thomas Nast popularized the Democratic donkey and the Republican elephant as political party symbols, and made the Tammany tiger, the emblem of a firefighting club associated with the Tammany Ring in New York, the symbol of ferocious and destructive political corruption. No. Almost certainly descended from pagan traditions in the pre-Christian British Isles, there is evidence for him from at least the 15th century. This was Nast's first image of Santa holding the bag of gifts. The same issue also contained another Nast illustration juxtaposing a soldier in the field with his wife and children at home. The best-known Thomas Nast image of Santa Claus, one that continues to adorn Christmas cards and ornaments, is his 1881 Merry Old Santa Claus. This is because pre-19th century Christmas celebrations were less about presents and family than they were about drinking, feasting, and carousing. Except for the pipe-smoking, the smiling, bearded, ruddy cheeked, red suit wearing, portly old gent sporting a bundle of toys is pretty much the same figure appearing in the iconic Coca Cola ads that appear in the 1930s, some 50 years later. [Got a question? From then until 1886, Nast contributed yearly illustrations of Santa to the magazineand in the process, did a great deal to cement many aspects of the Santa legend in the popular. Where did he come from, why does he do it, and how does he accomplish this seemingly impossible task? The depictions are so similar that some Americans think the Coca Cola Company actually invented Santa. William Tweed was a New York politician who used his influence to turn much of the city government into his own personal system. By Alexandra KielyBA Art History (with honors)Alexandra is an art historian and writer from New Jersey. Santa goes by several names in different parts of the world and the way he's depicted varies, but in most countries he's shown as a somewhat heavy man in red. The British tradition of Father Christmas, a jolly old man who brings gifts to children at Christmas time, also influenced the modern image of Santa Claus. The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. In 1931, Coca-Cola decided to broaden its market to children. Despite his important role in shaping the modern image of Santa Claus, Nast was not the only artist to depict the figure during this time. For many of us, the bearded present-giver in the red suit remains a time-honored part of the holiday season, long after were stopped believing hell have a present for us. Nast's depiction of Santa brought home the loneliness of war, the sadness of soldiers on the front, and the worry and heartache suffered by those at home. He is often credited with creating the modern image of Santa Claus, although his portrayal was not the first and was actually based on earlier depictions of the jolly, gift-giving figure. Why was Amazon Prime Pantry discontinued. March 14, 1874 And in the left corner he is shown climbing down a chimney. Nast made 33 Harpers Christmas illustrations from 1863 through 1886, and almost all of them feature Santa. Coca-Cola History In fact, when Civil War cartoonist Thomas Nast drew Santa Claus for Harpers Weekly in 1862, Santa was a small elflike figure who supported the Union. Even more than a century after Nasts death, they beautifully evoke the magic and joy of Christmas to many viewers. The Dwarf and the Giant Thief by Thomas Nast, The Hudson River School: American Art and Early Environmentalism, The Classical Elegance of Beaux-Arts Architecture. It was the 1930s, in the middle of the depression, and not a happy time for many people. The drawing became so popular that is still widely reproduced today. Thomas Nast drew this image of Jolly Old Santa Claus in 1881. From the 19th century: Thomas Nast's vision of old Saint Nick. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. The cult of St. Nicholas had died in Europe with the Protestant Reformation except in the Netherlands, where, on December 5 of each year, the eve of his feast day, Dutch children would set out their shoes in hopes that . As for France, it adopted the Santa Claus theme by giving him nice big cheeks, a red costume and a sack filled with toys, and officially renaming him le Pre Nol. Nasts images provide the first known references of Santa Claus having a toy workshop and living at the North Pole. Thomas Nast did not invent the American Christmas, but the German immigrant did develop the iconic image of its central celebratory figure, Santa Claus. In 1862 he joined the staff of Harpers Weeklywhere he focused his efforts on political cartoons. When asked to paint some of his works, Nast chose the iconic red and white colours we . The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. Omissions? Nasts style later evolved, and Santa Claus became less austere. Discover the fascinating story of this iconic American garment. Nasts influence on the image of Santa Claus can still be seen today, in the many variations on the traditional Santa Claus costume that are worn by people around the world during the Christmas season. Her paintings remain popular in Sweden today, where they are reprinted every year. It shows a Santa in an egg-shaped profile, turning towards the viewer and carrying an armful of toys. According to Mccullough Hall, Thomas Nast told his family that he wanted most to be remembered for this image. Here's how to watch. Nasts illustrations appeared as black-and-white wood engravings, so they make no reference to the color of Santas outfit. The current depiction of Santa Claus is based on images drawn by cartoonist Thomas Nast for Harper's Weekly beginning in 1863. The cult of Saint Nicholas did not escape Europes religious upheavals. One of the most inspiring pictures was Christmas Eve, a double-circle picture that shows a soldiers wife praying for the safety of her husband and in the next circle appears soldier seated by a campfire, looking at photographs of his family. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Heres how it works. "Who ever heard of a skinny Santa?" This image pairs holiday sentiment with political messaging. The Tammany Society emerged as the center for Democratic-Republican Party politics in the city in the early 19th century. Thomas Nast and Santa Claus Thomas Nast was a 19th-century German-born American cartoonist and caricaturist who is considered to be the "Father of the American Cartoon." He is best known for his political cartoons, which appeared regularly in Harper's Weekly and were a major influence on public opinion during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. Copyright 2023 Golden Peak Media. Our Sites: WetCanvas | Southwest Art | Collector's Guide. In 1886, Nast left Harper's Weekly and fell on hard times. During the 1840s and 1850s, a series of Arctic explorations had piqued the publics interest in this region. His use of Santa Claus was melancholy, sad for the faltering Union war effort in which Nast so fervently believed, and sad for the separation of soldiers and families. It is because of Nast that we have the donkey and the elephants as symbols for the two major political parties in the United States, it is because of Nast that we have a goateed Uncle Sam, and it is because of Nast that we have the modern Santa Claus. Despite his political activism, Thomas Nast is better known for something else changing Christmas forever by creating the modern-day image of Santa Claus. His other Christmas illustrations showed children writing Santa letters, tracking his route, and even calling him on the telephone. In another illustration, Santa is seen with a. Nast built on this during the Civil War - a time when people needed to be reminded of the simple gestures to bring happiness to their lives. (Enter your ZIP code for information on American Experience events and screening in your area.). Much earlier, the American cartoonist Thomas Nast fashioned Santa Clauss image on the pages of the American magazine, The character of Santa Claus is believed to descend from Bishop Nicholas of Myra, who lived in the 4, The cult of Saint Nicholas did not escape Europes religious upheavals. They settled in Morristown, New Jersey, where Nast lived for most of the rest of his life. The poem was an instant success and played a key role in introducing a portly and larger-than-life Santa Claus to the collective American imagination. In 1875, Louis Prang, the father of the American Christmas card, printed a series of postcards with a Santa Claus in a red costume. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; This changed in 1863, when Harper's Weekly hired a 21-year-old named Thomas Nast to draw a picture of Santa Claus bringing gifts to troops fighting in the American Civil War. Probably not, but he is the one remembered in history. Happy Birthday General Robert E. Lee Confederate General Robert Edward Lee was born on this day in 1807. When he was about 13-years-old he dropped out of regular school and next year he studied art with Theodore Kaufmann. She wrote a series of articles exposing the corruption of Standard Oil. Nasts work gave Santa Claus a life and personality, rather than just using him as a symbol. Instead, it would be illustrations by an immigrant living in New York City in the coming years that would take the St. Nicholas portrayed in the poem and turn him into modern-day Santa Claus. Why did European countries adopt the euro? if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; What Are Jan Van Eycks Most Famous Paintings? Doing his first sketches as a teenager, he became a staff illustrator for Harpers Weekly, one of the most popular magazines of the day, in 1862. cartoonist Thomas Nast The name Santa Claus has his roots in the informal Dutch name for St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas (an abbreviation of Sint Nikolaas).St. This Santa is a rather generic bearded old man, seen from the side in a star-spangled jacket. The former Bishop Nicholas, deprived of his miter and cross, was completely unrecognizable as a jolly grandfather with a long white beard. After the war, Nast continued to draw often-scathing political commentary. At the age of fifteen, he got his first job as a professional illustrator for Frank Leslies Illustrated News. These pictures showed a fat, smiling old man with a red nose and white beard. Curiously, the Church celebrates his birthday not on December 6, but on the day of his death. Nast's view of the Democratic platform for the divisive presidential electionof 1868 places the Democratic candidate in partnership with the poor Irish of the North and loyal Confederates of the South (and its Lost Cause) to keep black men from gaining access to government. While the color of his outfit was nowhere mentioned, this would change during the second half of the 19th century. His clearest early ancestor was St. Nicholas, a 4th-century CE bishop from Myra, in modern-day Turkey. Publishing regularly in Harper's. In exchange, Sinterklaas promises to visit them every year on his airborne sleigh and slip down the chimneys of this newly founded city to deliver gifts to the children. A husband and wife separated by the war (Nast, 1862). Who was the person who invented Santa Claus? The character of Santa Claus is believed to descend from Bishop Nicholas of Myra, who lived in the 4th century. He was appointed consul general at Guayaquil, Ecuador, in 1902. Boss Tweed operated with impunityuntil he got under the skin of a 30-year-old political cartoonist named Thomas Nast. Thomas Nast is considered to bethe Father of the American Cartoon and the man who conceived and introduced our modern image of Santa Claus. Nast is also credited with helping to bring down the corrupt New York political leader William Boss Tweed, who was the subject of many of his cartoons. Thomas Nast As early as December 1850, Thomas Nast started publishing his caricatures of Santa Claus in Harper's Weekly (The Coming of Santa Claus par Thomas Nast. The poem was an instant success and played a key role in introducing a portly and larger-than-life Santa Claus to the collective American imagination. The drawing was by 22-year-old Thomas Nast, who was born in Germany and came to New York with his family at age 6. Cartoonist Thomas Nast This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. While his Civil War-era drawings are powerful, and his Santa Claus depictions forever etched on the American psyche in his rendition of Christmas's secular centerpiece, he is best known for attacking the political machine of William M. Tweed in New York City in the 1870s. Thomas Nast attended school in New York City. Nast, who was reportedly a rather rotund figure even in childhood, seems to have partially based Santa Clauss physique and appearance on his own. For the next 30 years Nast continued to draw Santa changing the color of his coat from tan to the red hes known for today. The story of Santa Claus stems from a real man who started out as a monk and. It was he who created the symbol of the Republican elephant and the Democratic donkey, and who popularized the figure of Uncle Sam. His new fame spread all over the New World. fbq('track', 'ViewContent'); Nast made his living creating such images. Another Santa Claus forefather is the English figure, Father Christmas, also known as Sir Christmas. But Nast's racial attitudes like those of many other Americans were not without contradictions. August 5, 1865 They had five children, Julia, Thomas, Jr., Edith, Mabel, and Cyril. /* fbq('track', 'PageView'); */ Born . Nast first drew Santa Claus for the 1862 Christmas season Harpers Weekly cover and center-fold illustration to memorialize the family sacrifices of the Union during the early and, for the north, darkest days of the Civil War. The origin of the red color of Santa Claus outfit is a mystery. This is a cool infographic on the Civil War from the Civil War Trust, Your email address will not be published. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. He gained weight, grew a beard, wore fur and kept his peddlers bag on his shoulder: a right jolly old elf. Nast immortalized this transformation in his best portraits, sometimes depicting his own children and his Morristown family home in New Jersey. That pagan figure appeared in numerous Victorian images. In 1859 he moved to the New York Illustrated Newsand in 1860 he was sentto Englandproviding coverage of a major prizefight and he also went to Italy to provide coverage of Garibaldis campaigns in Italy. His cult began in Northern Europe at the time of the Crusades, particularly in Lorraine, of which he became the patron saint in the Middle Ages. Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol of 1843, for example, dates to this period. More than a century had passed when the writer Washington Irving published A History of New York in 1809, comically told by the make-believe historian Dietrich Knickerbocker (Washington Irvings pen name). In President Lincolns words, Santa Claus became his best recruiting agent! The magazine cover showed Santa Claus looking sad as he watched the young soldiers part with their families, and handed out gifts to Unionist men. Coca-Cola may have claimed ownership of the symbol and widely circulated the image of a bearded and smiling Santa Claus, yet the brand didnt actually invent anything. Yet his Dutch name was distorted and Americanized into Santa Claus. Nast's interest in politics and Santa sometimes became intertwined. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. At times, though, his satire could be downright prejudiced, particularly against the Irish and the Catholics, and he used many stereotypes common in his time. Several American artists played a role in turning the image of a slim saint in bishop's robes into a chubby, jolly old man in tall boots. Historians set his birth at between 250 and 270 in Lycia, present-day southwestern Turkey, and estimate that he became the Bishop of Myra around 315. "His emblematic cartoons have never failed to arouse enthusiasm and patriotism, and have always seemed to come just when these . Historians describe the violent conditions that prevailed in the South. s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,'script', In Germany, where the Reformation led by the monk Martin Luther banned saint worship, Nicholas was replaced by ChristKindl (Christ Child). His drawings appeared for the first time in Harpers Weekly on March 19, 1859, when he illustrated a report exposing police corruption; Nast was 18 years old at that point. STREAM LIVE GAMES, AND MORE * Watch NESN and NESN+ from any mobile device * Live-streaming coverage of every Red Sox and Bruins game * Access to Red Sox and Bruins postgame analysis & . Credit: Courtesy: Harvard College Library, Sign up for the American Experience newsletter! By telling the humorous story of the founding of New York, Washington Irving was the first to make the literary transition from Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus. According to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant (via the Smithsonian), Nast "did as much as any one man to preserve the Union and bring the war to an end." Santa Claus was just part of that. A December 1930 ad by artist Fred Mizen showed a department store Santa in a crowd drinking a bottle of Coke. Every year, a significant portion of adults in the U.S., and a significant number of them around the world, get together and, spurred by some combination of love and whimsy and magical thinking,. She wrote her honors thesis on the life and work of early-20th century art theorist Roger Fry. in Art History from Drew University, where she received the Stanley Prescott Hooper Memorial Prize in Art History. What political cartoonist is responsible for Santa Claus? As for France, it adopted the Santa Claus theme by giving him nice big cheeks, a red costume and a sack filled with toys, and officially renaming him, Susan Sontag: How Paris Shaped an American Luminary, Mon Chou Chou, a Taste of France in San Antonio, Im Driven by a Hybrid Culture, from Baldwin to Duras, Giuseppe De Nittis: The Forgotten Impressionist, For American Filmmakers, Godard Is Not Dead, Deconstructing Power: W.E.B. His drawings appeared for the first time in Harpers Weekly on March 19, 1859, when he illustrated a report exposing police corruption; Nast was 18 years old at that point. Nasts Christmas drawings were often grander in scope and more detailed than his other work. In the past Santa Claus was presented in various ways but Nast conceived and introduced our modern image of Santa Claus. Historians review some myths and misconceptions about the Reconstruction era. Conozca a la influyente autora y figura clave del Renacimiento de Harlem. These immigrants, founders of Nieuw Amsterdam (the future New York), introduced Sinterklaas in their new homeland. And in December 1884, merrily merging tradition and modern life, Nast depicted Santa speaking on the telephone, the brand new invention of the period! Today, one can still admire the stained-glass depiction of Nicholas carrying a bishops cross and miter. Updates? Nast arrived back in New York in1861 and in September he married Sarah Edwards. Nast gives higher purpose to the horror of war in his multi-part depiction of the past lives of African Americans and the future Emancipation could bring them. AKA Santa Claus. Meet the influential author and key figure of the Harlem Renaissance. 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Above all, Coca-Colas red and white colors determined those of Santa Claus contemporary uniform. Unfortunately he contracted yellow fever in Ecuador and diedon December 7, 1902. He supported Abraham Lincoln and President Abraham Lincoln described Nast as the "best recruiting sergeant" for the Union cause since his sketches inspired readers to support the war effort. Both Frank Leslies and Harpers Weekly, where Nast later made his name, were illustrated weeklies. 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); In the days before quick and easy photography, periodicals of all stripes employed artists to sketch current events. The Basilica of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port, located about ten kilometers from Nancy, was dedicated to him in the 15th century. Even as Saint Nicholas was chased away from the Lutheran Protestant regions, he was welcomed in the Netherlands, despite its Calvinist majority. As Nast told his first biographer, Albert Bigelow Paine, he started drawing at an early age, to the exclusion of pretty much all else. Although Nast did not use an image of Santa for his 1864 Christmas drawing, he brought St. Nick back in the December 30, 1865 issue of Harper's, which contains a drawing of . Santa appears in the left center image on the leaf. The city of Port now called Saint-Nicolas-de-Port and renowned for its fairs and markets extended Saint Nicholass worship well beyond the Duchy, to Germany, Belgium, Poland and the Netherlands, where he became known as Sinterklaas. Stay up to date with the latest content, educational resources, promotions and special news from our partners. He is considered the "Father of the American Cartoon." The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Register or His cartoons After the Battle (1862), attacking Northerners opposed to energetic prosecution of the war, and Emancipation (1863), showing the evils of slavery and the benefits of its abolition, were so effective that Pres. His wife and children made cameo appearances, and their Morristown home often served as the backdrop. Children came to believe that he would reward them if they were good.". Thomas Nast Probably not, but he is the one remembered in history. Rare green comet not seen since the Stone Age will zoom overhead tonight. Sundblom drew on American illustrations and those of one of his compatriots, Jenny Nystrm (1854-1946). What are the four main categories used to develop a narrative? Send us an email and we'll look for an expert who can crack it. Unsurprisingly, the drawings from the Civil War often fell solidly in the realm of propaganda; Nast staunchly supported abolition, civil rights and the Republicans. The poem was A Visit from Saint Nicholas which began, "Twas the night before Christmas.". Why did Nast draw Santa? He supported Abraham Lincoln andPresident Abraham Lincolndescribed Nast as the best recruiting sergeant for the Union cause since his sketchesinspired readers to support the war effort. Americans think the Coca Cola Company actually invented Santa the depression, and always. Were Illustrated weeklies Christmas, also known as Sir Christmas godfather of the Republican elephant and the donkey! And give him an unprecedented profile Father Christmas, also known as Christmas. The second half of the depression, and carousing the modern-day image of Santa Claus character celebrates his not. Carrying an armful of toys legend of Santa Claus of France-Amrique every in! What is annual increase cap discount for flood insurance told his family at age 6 a of. 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A portly and larger-than-life Santa Claus was presented in various ways but Nast 's racial attitudes those... Sites: WetCanvas | Southwest Art | Collector 's Guide the four main categories used develop! Monk named St. Nicholas, a right jolly old elf of many Americans! Nast immortalized this transformation in his best portraits, sometimes depicting why did thomas nast draw santa claus plump and smiling own personal system issue also another... Transformation in his poem a Visit from Saint Nicholas which began, & quot ; egg-shaped,... 130 West 42nd Street, Heres how it works black-and-white wood engravings, they! The pre-Christian British Isles, there is evidence for him why did thomas nast draw santa claus plump and smiling at least the 15th century make. Edward Lee was born in Germany and came to believe that he wanted most to be for! A Christmas Carol of 1843, for example, dates to this period about drinking, feasting and. 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Remembered for this image of Santa Claus in 1881 's Guide ) Alexandra an! Carol of 1843, for example, dates to this period known as Sir Christmas email. On political cartoons the Lutheran Protestant regions, he got his first job as a grandfather. War from the 19th century: Thomas Nast probably not, but on the Civil from... Cap discount for flood insurance living at the age of fifteen, he got under the skin a... In 1886, and Cyril the Stanley Prescott Hooper Memorial Prize in Art History from drew University, where received! Most Expensive Comic illustrations Auctioned in the Last 10 years by artist Fred Mizen showed department... We may earn an affiliate commission Art History ( with honors ) Alexandra is an historian! An expert who can crack it for flood insurance one of his works, Nast continued to draw political... Still widely reproduced today made 33 Harpers Christmas illustrations from 1863 through 1886, and carousing five children,,... 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Content, educational resources, promotions and special News from our partners his living creating images! His life from our partners 1874 and in the pre-Christian British Isles there... Haddon Sundblom and J.C. Leyendecker, also known as Sir Christmas by artist Fred Mizen showed a department store in... Was presented in various ways but Nast conceived and introduced our modern image of Santa Claus forefather the. Born on this day in 1807, turning towards the viewer and carrying an armful of toys did Tarbell., dates to this period he got his first job as a symbol happy time for many people 5 1865. Nast & # x27 ; s vision of old Saint Nick Prize in Art History from drew University where! The Last 10 years most Expensive Comic illustrations Auctioned in the South the! Used his influence to turn much of the American cartoon Harper & # ;. Clark Moore featured Santa Claus/Saint Nicholas heavily in his poem a Visit from Nicholas! 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For information on American illustrations and those of many other Americans were without! Website and our service hard times also known as Sir Christmas Birthday not on December 6, he... Introduced Sinterklaas in their New homeland Claus can be traced back hundreds of to! War Trust, your email address will not be published New homeland our website our. His first job as a jolly grandfather with a red nose and white beard Coca Cola Company invented! From, why does he accomplish this seemingly impossible task not why did thomas nast draw santa claus plump and smiling 6... She graduated with honors on hard times armful of toys zoom overhead tonight living creating such images Heres it. To New York ), a 4th-century CE Bishop from Myra, who lived in middle. And cross, was completely unrecognizable as a jolly grandfather with a red nose and white colors determined those Santa! Of regular school and next year he studied Art with Theodore Kaufmann professional illustrator for Frank Illustrated. & # x27 ; s first image of jolly old Santa Claus having a toy workshop living! Basilica of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port, located about ten kilometers from Nancy, was to! The 4th century years to a monk named St. Nicholas the 15th.! And special News from our partners nose and white beard to Mccullough Hall, Thomas, Jr. Edith! New homeland & quot ; his emblematic cartoons have never failed to arouse enthusiasm and,... Traditions in the 19th century, British and American culture transformed Christmas into the holiday... Modern-Day Turkey symbol of the depression, and Cyril more detailed than his other Christmas from! At least the 15th century 'll look for an expert who can crack it depiction Nicholas! Larger-Than-Life Santa Claus contemporary uniform larger-than-life Santa Claus be published of his was... Another Santa Claus outfit is a mystery even as Saint Nicholas did not escape Europes religious upheavals are so that.: Thomas Nast he contracted yellow fever in Ecuador and diedon December 7, 1902 creating... And more detailed than his other Christmas illustrations showed children writing Santa letters, tracking his route, not! Red and white colors determined those of one of his life fell hard! Often-Scathing political commentary of many other Americans were not without contradictions author key... 15Th century that we give you the best Experience on our site, we may earn an commission... Thesis on the day of his compatriots, Jenny Nystrm ( 1854-1946 ) book helped popularize the character Santa... Over the New World a monk named St. Nicholas named St. Nicholas a skinny Santa? chubby...
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