He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf (1863-1935) by Josef Lada. Giclee Print with Pigment Based Ink on Museum Quality Matte Paper in a Custom Built Sustainable Wood Frame.

Artist Name: Jessie Willcox 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.
Jessie Willcox 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 Willcox 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.

Experience this masterpiece as a museum-quality fine art print with vibrant, true-to-life colors, created using advanced 12-color giclée printing technology. Elegantly framed in premium oak or ash wood with unique grain patterns, each print arrives ready to hang, showcasing the artwork on archival-grade, master's edition, museum-quality acid-free paper for a glare-free, clean finish.

Giclée printing delivers exceptional resolution, expansive color spectrum, and uncompromising detail, ensuring high-quality reproductions that closely mirror the original artwork. Preferred by artists, photographers, and galleries, it offers a precise replication of color palettes, capturing every nuance for timeless masterpieces ideal for your home or office.

Crafted with fade-resistant, pigment-based archival inks , these prints guarantee longevity and brilliance for generations. Frames are custom-built by specialist artisans, featuring a 20mm (0.79") thick design with shatterproof plexiglass protection. Available in various sizes, they are eco-friendly, using FSC-certified materials and responsibly sourced wood.

Key Features:

Frame Material: Responsibly sourced oak or ash wood.
Paper Finish: Smooth, glare-free matte; 200 gsm (80 lb), 0.26 mm (10.3 mils).
Color Vibrancy: High-quality ink technology ensures vivid and accurate colors.
Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass.
Eco-Friendly: Printed on FSC-certified paper and wood.
Ready-to-Hang: Includes a hanging kit for immediate display.
Enjoy timeless art with unmatched quality and sustainability.