Cover for St. Nicholas, February 1907

Date1907

Artist Charles Relyea (American illustrator and painter, 1863–1932)

Illustration CitationCover for St. Nicholas, February, 1907

MediumGouache and graphite on illustration board

Dimensions16 × 16 in. (40.6 × 40.6 cm)
frame: 20 9/16 × 20 9/16 × 1 1/8 in. (52.2 × 52.2 × 2.9 cm)

Credit LineAcquisition Fund, 2015

Object number2015-3

On View

Not on view

ClassificationsDRAWING

Label TextCharles Relyea illustrated a wide range of adult and children’s literature. This cover for St. Nicholas, the most popular American children’s magazine in the early 20th century, features a young couple in winter furs. The artist places us as if we’re seeing them in profile glide by. The red and white of the girl’s coat, cuff, and hat make her the center of attention against a primarily white, gray, and black palette. Our eyes next move to the graceful red tassels blowing in the wind, a contrast to the snow-capped geometric brick pillars and repeated uprights of the fence. The whip makes sure we don’t miss this section, as it cuts up to and through that part, while the finials on the sleigh mirror the iron-work of the fence posts. The sleigh’s curving front, its two almost circular elements, and the armrest balance the more blocky section of the lower right. Outstretched reins follow the curve of the fence as it recedes into the distance, adding a sense of deep space. The whole image, with just a suggestion of the horse (whose tail matches the couple’s furs), is one of a dignified ride rather than a dash through the snow. On the sleigh is the symbol of the St. Nicholas League, the club comprised of winners of the magazine’s essay and art contests.The sleigh riders—well-dressed and comfortably protected from the chill—look like the serious readers who might been members of the League.

A native of Albany NY, studied with Thomas Eakins @ PAFA, and in Paris. He lived in New Rochelle, New York, where many illustrators were part of the artists’ colony there. On October 6, 1914, the New York Times noted that as a result of a golfing accident, Relyea lost his right eye. Within a year, he was back at work. With the 1920s, he adapted to the times, creating calendar illustrations and advertising art in the decade’s thriving economy.