He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf (1863-1935) by Jessie Wilcox Smith. Archival Print on Museum Quality Matte Paper. Premium Wood Framed Wall Art. Optimised Aspect Ratio.

Jessie Wilcox Smith’s enchanting illustration, "He Was Chubby and Plump, a Right Jolly Old Elf," captures the whimsical spirit of childhood wonder and the festive allure of the Christmas season. As an art critic, one cannot overlook Smith's masterful ability to blend narrative and imagery, creating a piece that resonates with both young and old alike.

Born in Philadelphia in 1863, Jessie Wilcox Smith was a prominent figure in the Golden Age of American illustration. Her career blossomed in an era when women were beginning to make significant inroads in the arts. Smith was a student of the renowned Howard Pyle at the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry, where she honed her skills and developed her distinctive style.

Smith’s work is characterized by its warm, tender depictions of children and domestic scenes, often imbued with a sense of nostalgia and innocence. Her style is marked by soft lines, gentle colors, and an evocative use of light that brings her subjects to life. In this particular piece, Smith employs watercolor and gouache to achieve a dreamlike quality, perfectly suited to the magical subject matter of Santa Claus.

The illustration is part of a series created for Clement Clarke Moore’s "The Night Before Christmas," and it exemplifies Smith's philosophical approach of capturing the purity and joy of childhood. The piece is significant in the art world for its enduring charm and its role in shaping the visual culture of Christmas in America. The original artwork is held in a private collection, cherished as a quintessential example of early 20th-century American illustration.

Artist Name: Jessie Wilcox Smith

Artwork Name: He was chubby and plump

a right jolly old elf

Artwork Date: 1863-1935

Artist Nationality: American

Artistic Style or Movement: Golden Age of Illustration

Genre: Illustration

Period: Late 19th to early 20th century

Medium: Watercolor and gouache

Technique: Illustration

Cultural and Geographic Context: American

Thematic or Conceptual Context: Childhood

nostalgia

and holiday themes

Artist's Intent and Context: To capture the joy and magic of childhood and holiday spirit

Formal elements and Composition: Use of soft colors

detailed figures

and a focus on narrative and emotion.

Elevate your space with museum-quality fine art prints. Archival inks, oak or ash frames, sustainable materials. Ready to hang, timeless style.

Bring the elegance of timeless art into your home with this museum-grade wall print, designed for discerning collectors and art lovers alike. More than décor, this print invites moments of reflection and appreciation, transforming your space into a personal gallery.

Each print is crafted to the highest standard:

True-to-life color & detail – Printed with archival, pigment-based inks for exceptional depth and lasting vibrancy.

Premium framing options – Custom-built in natural oak or ash wood with shatterproof plexiglass for durability and elegance.

Gallery-standard materials – Archival-grade, acid-free paper with a glare-free finish.

Sustainable craftsmanship – FSC-certified papers and responsibly sourced wood frames.

Ready to hang – Delivered fully framed and display-ready.

Don’t miss your chance to own a masterpiece that endures across generations.
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