J.C. Leyendecker, a master of American illustration, often celebrated patriotism through the depiction of political candidates.
Leyendecker’s October 31, 1908, cover for The Saturday Evening Post captures a historical moment in American politics. A young red-headed newsboy, adorned with political pins, holds portrait of presidential candidates William Howard Taft (at left) and William Jennings Bryan (at right). Taft, the Secretary of War and Republican successor to Theodore Roosevelt, and Bryan, the Democratic hopeful, vie for the nation’s attention. Bryan, a lawyer and skilled orator, was making his third and final attempt at the presidency. Leyendecker’s distinctive style brings these figures to life, with Taft confidently gazing at the viewer, in contrast to Bryan’s more reserved profile. Indeed, Taft engaged more voters and eventually prevailed in winning the presidency, a moment that Leyendecker immortalized a few months later on his March 6, 1909 cover for the Post.
In other Post covers, Leyendecker also depicted more general “types” of patriotic political candidates. The November 4, 1916, cover for The Saturday Evening Post depicts a passionate candidate delivering a rousing stump speech. Gesticulating wildly with an outstretched arm and raised fist, the man’s face is flushed from the intensity with which he delivers his message as he gazes down at his audience.
Donning a bowler hat, crimson necktie, and with a political ribbon pinned to his shoulder, the man’s jacket flies open as he raises his arm, revealing a pocket watch chain tucked into his vest whose buttons strain against his portly midsection. The dynamic composition of diagonals and the use of Leyendecker’s characteristic bold cross-hatched brushstrokes emphasize the candidate’s intensity and charisma. His energy is palpable in every line.
In contrast, the September 18, 1920, cover for The Saturday Evening Post presents a more empathetic figure. Wearing a red white and blue sash and placing his hand over his heart, the honorable candidate appears to connect with voters on a personal level, his face betraying a serious expression of quiet concern. The candidate’s confident posture and formal attire of the top hat, tailored suit, and gold watch fob, recalls that of the image of the wealthy industrialist portrayed on Leyendecker’s October 5, 1907, cover Getting Rich Quick.
Through his illustrations, Leyendecker not only captured the spirit of American politics, but also shaped the visual language of the nation.