J. C. Leyendecker (2008)

One of the most prolific and successful artists of the Golden Age of American Illustration, J. C. Leyendecker captivated audiences throughout the first half of the 20th century. Leyendecker is best known for his creation of the archetype of the fashionable American male with his advertisements for Arrow Collar. These images sold to an eager public the idea of a glamorous lifestyle, the bedrock upon which modern advertising was built.

He also was the creator instantly recognisable icons, such as the New Year's baby and Santa Claus, that are to this day an integral part of the lexicon of Americana and was commissioned to paint more Saturday Evening Post covers than any other artist.

This is the first book about the artist in more than 30 years, J. C. Leyendecker features more than 600 illustrations, including his masterworks, rare paintings, studies, and other artwork, including the 322 covers he did for the Post. With a revealing text that delves into both his artistic evolution and personal life, J. C. Leyendecker restores this iconic image maker's rightful position in the pantheon of great American artists.

A review from creativecavepublishers.com

Leyendecker was the first illustrator that invented branding in advertisements. His most striking advertisements he did for The Arrow Collar Man, a fashion brand for men. He also made illustrations for Kellog’s Corn Flakes and Ivory soap.

Joseph Christian Leyendecker was born in Germany on March in 1874. In 1882 the family immigrated to Chicago Leyendecker studied art at the Chicago Art Institute and he also studies art in Paris together with his brother Frank. In 1899 he got his first commission for The Saturday Evening Post. It was the beginning of a long collaboration with the most popular magazine in the country. In forty four years he produced 322 covers for the magazine. It was the Golden Age of American Illustration. Almost  all of the covers were painted and all of the articles and advertisements inside the magazines as well. There were many great illustrators like N.C. Wyeth and of course Norman Rockwell.

And if you'd like to see a VIDEO, there's one available too (from Stayf Draws) :)

More about J.C. Leyendecker, visit his Wikipedia page!