Santa Claus Pictorial Review

Framed Art Print

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Pictorial Review was an American glossy magazine targeted at women. The publication included sections on fashion, dressmaking, style and home-making. The magazine lasted from 1899 to 1939, eventually becoming one of the Great Depression’s many victims.

This Pictorial Review magazine cover from the first half of the 20th century shows Santa preparing toys to give to children. In Santa’s hands is a model aeroplane and in front of him are other toys, including a cannon, an army tank, a saluting soldier and a ship. Although the exact magazine portrait date (and artist) is unknown, it is probably from period during or after the First World War, as the toys pictured are military in nature.

Children in many countries of Christian tradition look forward to the coming of Santa Claus each Christmas (also written as ‘Xmas’). Although the Santa Claus ritual has several variations across different countries, in almost all cases it involves the presentation of gifts to children. The name Santa Claus derives from Saint Nicholas, a 4th century bishop from Myra (in modern day Turkey). St. Nicholas was famous for giving gifts to the poor, hence the practice.

Receiving gifts from Santa Claus (or Father Christmas) is the highlight of the year for many children. Although they are historically different characters, the terms Santa Clause and Father Christmas are used synonymously these days and refer to the same chubby male character usually dressed in heavy black boots, a big red suit and a red and white hat with a flowing white beard. The clothes and style reflect the cold weather of a Northern Hemisphere winter. As Christmas is celebrated during summer in Southern Hemisphere countries like Australia, Santa is sometimes seen there in clothes more suiting hot weather such as a singlet, shorts and flip-flops.