Ryan Reid Illustration + Design

Thomas Nast and the origins of Santa

December 15, 2010 | Miscellany

In 1862, caricaturist Thomas Nast was hired to create the cover of Harper’s Weekly. For the first time in illustrated history, Christmas was depicted as a jolly plump bearded fellow, with clay pipe and a sack overflowing with toys. Nearly 70 years would pass before illustrator Haddon Sundblom started work on the iconic Coca Cola advertisements.

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