One of the most prolific illustrators of the Golden Age of Illustration (1880s to 1920s) was a German-born artist named Joseph Christian Leyendecker . The talented man illustrated more than four hundred magazine covers from 1896 to 1950. Joseph Christian Leyendecker illustrated for publications, magazine covers, men's fashion, and advertisements for automobiles, soap, and Kellog's cereals. His distinctive style and productivity inspired future illustrators, including his friend Norman Rockwell. Joseph Christian Leyendecker was born in Montabaur, Germany, in 1874. His parents helped nurture his artistic efforts by encouraging him to draw on available surfaces. At the age of eight, JC Leyendecker and his younger brother Frank Xavier Leyendecker moved to Chicago. At the age of sixteen, JC Leyendecker became an apprentice in the engraving company J. Manz and Company. There, his job was to create posters and designs for Manz's clients. Working for J. Manz, Leyendecker illustrated works for books, including the novel Dolly Dialogues by Anthony Hope Hawkins. During this apprenticeship, at the age of 19, Leyendecker completed his first major order: a set of 60 illustrations for an edition of the Bible. In Chicago, JC Leyendecker and his brother also went to study at the Chicago Institute of Art. There he studied under John H. Vanderpool, who brought classical techniques back from France. Vanderpool's teaching helped develop the brothers' skills in drawing believable nude and clothed figures. In 1896, JC Leyendecker gained attention by winning a cover design competition for Century Magazine. Even though he was then a new illustrator, Leyendecker beat out Maxfield Parrish. The illustration was f...... middle of paper ...... diminished, it remains a monument in the history of illustration. His work spanned several decades and helped establish an influence on modern art. Leyendecker and his brother created iconic images such as the New Year's Baby, The Arrow Man and American culture. Her relationship with Charles Beach set standards for American male beauty and the romantic and homoerotic elements of men's fashion advertising. JC Leyendecker's legacy extended well beyond his death in 1951.Sources(1) http://www.americanartarchives.com/leyendeceker,fx.htm(2) http://www.bpib. com/illustrat/leyendec.htm(3) http://www.glbtq.com/arts/leyendecker_jc.html(4) http://www.hagginmuseum.org/leyendecker/biography.shtml(5) JC Leyendecker. Laurence S. Cutler, Judy Goffman Cutler. November 2008. Abrams.(6) JC Leyendecker. Michael Schau. 1974. Watson-Guptill Publications/New York.