Christmas Stories - A Visit From St. Nicholas

by Charles Berger

Title

Christmas Stories - A Visit From St. Nicholas

Artist

Charles Berger

Medium

Painting - Acrylic On Cold Press Illustration Board

Description

It is said that Washington Irving, one of America's earliest authors, had much to do with the renewed popularity of St. Nicholas in the early 1800's. He even founded a "St. Nicholas Society." But it was the appearance of a catchy story, which begins, "Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house ..." which spread the word of Santa Claus and practically made him an American invention. For years it was thought that Clement Clarke Moore wrote and first published the story in 1844. But it has come to be accepted by scholars that Henry Livingston, Jr. (1748-1828), who had been a major in the Revolution, wrote it about 1800, a time when America was searching for its own traditions. Published anonymously in 1823 and titled An Account of a Visit of St. Nicholas, the colorful description of Santa Claus firmly established one vision in America's imagination: "His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! He had a broad face, and a little round belly, That shook when he laugh'd, like a bowlful of jelly." Yes, this is the symbol of Christmas for millions of children. And if it weren't for this delightful poem, one thing is for sure, Santa Claus wouldn't be the same "right jolly old elf" we know and love.

Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.

Artwork Copyright © 1977 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB05199

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April 24th, 2022

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