Pen and Ink Drawing by Thomas Nast, circa 1885, Santa Claus Telephoning

01

Artifact Overview

Thomas Nast is best known for the creation of our modern image of Santa Claus. Nast's late 19th-century illustrations popularized the depiction of a rotund, bearded, fur-clad Santa in Americans' imaginations. His drawings not only defined Santa's appearance, but also enhanced other symbols, traditions and events now associated with Christmas and the holiday's jolly old elf.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Drawing (Visual work)

Date Made

circa 1885

Subject Date

circa 1885

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

90.0.25.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Drawing (Image-making)

Dimensions

Height: 22 in
Width: 17.5 in

Inscriptions

Signed on front: Th Nast
Pen and Ink Drawing by Thomas Nast, circa 1885, Santa Claus Telephoning