"The Duel, Cover for Kuppenheimer Style Book, Fall/Winter 1910-11" Lot no. 4811
By Francis Xavier Leyendecker (American, 1877-1924)
1910
Stretcher size 24 1/44 x 36 1/4 in.; Framed 30.75 x 44 1/4 in.
Oil on Canvas
Signed Lower Right
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Original Kuppenheimer Style Book Cover, Fall / Winter 1910-1911 edition
For the Fall/Winter 1910-1911 Kuppenheimer Style Book, Francis Xavier Leyendecker crafted a captivating cover depicting a dramatic sword duel set in the 18th-century. Two gentlemen confidently clash swords, their wide stances artfully showcasing the rich satin and lush velvet fabrics of their attire. From an ornate palanquin, a woman watches the unfolding drama, her mouth agape and hand clutching her face in tense anticipation.
Set against a luxurious gold backdrop between two classical Ionic columns, the painting exudes a romantic sensibility. Notably, this striking image was reproduced across both the front and back covers, marking the first and only time a Kuppenheimer Style Book featured a single wrap around image for the cover.
The House of Kuppenheimer began producing Style Books in 1904 to showcase their newest seasonal fashions. These highly collectible and vibrantly colored booklets, released twice yearly, were circulated by mail and distributed as point of purchase giveaways at clothing stores throughout the United States.
Francis Xavier Leyendecker produced his first Style Book cover for Kuppenheimer’s 1909 Spring / Summer edition and he would go on to produce eye-catching covers twice a year through the Fall/Winter 1911-12 edition. During this period, his brother, J.C. Leyendecker, often provided artwork for the interior pages. J.C.’s involvement with the brand expanded, eventually leading him to create covers as well, beginning with the Fall/Winter 1912-13 edition, in addition to his two-page color spreads for the interior. J.C.'s prolific creative output for Kuppenheimer would ultimately surpass Francis', as he continued to produce work for the brand until 1929, leaving an enduring legacy.
A copy of the Kuppenheimer Style Book is included with purchase.
Exhibition History:
Francis Xavier Leyendecker Memorial Exhibition, sponsored by the Art Association of New Rochelle, held at the New Rochelle Public Library, December 8-20, 1924, listed in the catalogue as no. 48.
Original Kuppenheimer Style Book included with purchase
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
Born in Germany, Francis Xavier Leyendecker was very competent, but was always overshadowed by his older brother. Francis's work was more sensitive, and highly detailed, but it never matched the assurance and dramatic poster quality of Joseph's. Francis also painted covers for leading publications such as The Saturday Evening Post, Vogue, and notably, Collier's. He later designed stained-glass windows.
The two brothers never married. They worked together in a large studio estate in New Rochelle. The fascinating story of their personal lives is related in Norman Rockwell's book My Adventures of an Illustrator.