Print:Christmas 1863

Artist Thomas Nast illustrated this double-page spread for "Colliers" magazine at Christmas, 1863. Nast is one of the artists who popularized the image of Santa Claus as he is recognized today. This illustration is divided into several sections, and one of them shows a Union soldier during the Civil War, returning home for the holiday, greeting his wife and children. Another image does indeed show the classic Nast Santa, peering at the sleeping children. Nast was primarily recognized for the satire in his political cartoons; this example demonstrates how he mixed wartime sentiments with those of the holidays.