The Many Faces of Santa

Last year at this time, I blogged about strange vintage Christmas cards, which featured (among other strange things) pigs, bugs and mushrooms.   

You really have to wonder if the Victorian artists or those illustrators from the early part of the 20th Century possessed an evil streak or did they simply embrace the season with that era's form of humor?  It is difficult to tell from where they found inspiration, as some illustrations were funny, but others were nonsensical, and dark in nature, and some appear to even embrace violence.   

For instance, dead frogs - how in the world does this suggest a Merry Christmas?  I continue to shake my head, in wonder!

And then, there is this:  A rat apparently hitching a ride on the back of a lobster.  This totally reeks of Christmas!  Not.

Translation:  "Peace, Joy, Health and Happiness."  

With the invention of the camera, Christmas became a favorite subject.  In the 6 photos, featured below, Santa is not always the jolly, sweet man with a white, pristine mustache and beard, whose twinkling blue eyes and merry laugh spread joy.  No, Santa appears to either have tied one on, or suffering the ill effects from the night before.  Let's face it - he's just plain creepy.  

            

            

              

Fortunately, the typical Santa is a more welcoming presence, and his happy demeanor remains his enduring charm and appeal to children and adults around the world.   

Image source:  bindblottyandcajole

The interesting thing about Old St. Nick, is how many ways he has been portrayed, throughout centuries. Santa Claus is known by many names, for example, in Poland, he is Swiety Mikolaj (St. Nicholas); in Russia, Ded Moroz (“Grandfather Frost”); in Sweden, Jultomten (“Christmas brownie”) and in the United Kingdom, he is Father Christmas.  He is also portrayed as a religious figure as either a Bishop or a Saint.  

If you have read my blog, you probably know by now that I enjoy reading and writing about the Victorian era, and love all things vintage.  These delightful illustrations, featured below, are from (mostly) vintage greeting cards.   They are extraordinary examples of the variations of this beloved figure.  

The reason I love the Victorian artists is because Santa is frequently featured in rich clothing that isn't always the typical white-fur lined red velvet suit.  Instead, he is often portrayed with an air of wealth and social status.  It is interesting to note the detail of illustration to show-case the embroidery and trimmings of his clothing, which are often indicative of this era. 

As you can see, Santa Claus can be thin or fat.  He can be merry or serious.  He can be seen wearing red, or blue or green or beige and apparently has a large assortment of hats.  He may carry a staff, parcels or a sack of toys.  The common denominator is that he always appears in the snow, donning his marvelous long, white beard, mustache and hair.  

However you spot Santa this year, his appearance is guaranteed to bring a feeling of joy to your heart, as we anticipate the sentiments of the season.   May the wonder of it all, be yours. 

Seasons Greetings, 
(with love)

~Denise

Freak Show Banners

My inspiration for this post?  American Horror Story Freak Show, of course!

Looking at these vintage circus posters, I couldn't help but think of how politically incorrect these are, in today's standards.  I also can't help but think that those who had deformities or strange abilities found there calling at the circus, and that today, we would simply turn our heads and pretend not to notice... but if it was not for the circus, many, who were most likely social outcasts would not have had much of a life.  I can only assume  that they found solace and a certain kinship with others under similar conditions, within the tents that they lived. 

Yes, the following are real posters, for real living people and animals, and were advertised as "freaks" for [recent] decades.

The majority of these prints were made by the "Picasso of Circus Art", Fred G. Johnson, who made his career and became famous for painting side show banners. He actually worked for 65 years doing this, and for 40 of those years, he was employed by a Chicago company, by the name of O.Henry Tent and Awning Company (from approximately 1934 to 1974).  

At 14 years old, (Fred was from Chicago) began running errands for the U.S. Tent and Awning Company, and a man named H.D. Cummings was seeking an individual to do menial labor and taught Fred to paint.  Fred showed a talent for painting, and thus his career was established. 

"Fred G. Johnson designed advertisements for the Century of Progress Exposition, the 1933 World’s Fair held in Chicago, the city’s old White City and Riverview amusement parks, traveling shows throughout the country, and all the great circuses, including Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey and the Clyde Beatty Circus.  His banners have been exhibited at the State of Illinois Building, some now hang in museums, and others were auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York."  Source:  cultofweird.com

As you will see from the pictures below, he derived inspiration from the actual people who were essentially "on display".  But people weren't the only oddities he painted, as many animal "freaks of nature" also traveled with the circus, and thus, he painted banners for those, as well.

The painted banners were important advertising, as these are what drew crowds to the Circus.  

He was the oldest living side show banner painter, and died in 1990, at the ripe old age of 98.  His work can be seen today in Circus museums in Baraboo, Wisconsin and Sarasota, Florida.

Photo and image sources: "Pinterest" and "Cult of Weird"