#Art through the ages windows#

Nineteenth-century illustrations of Father Christmas show him as an elf-like figure wearing long robes with holly in his hair and a mischievous expression on his face. On old English tradition, Father Christmas has personified Christmas cheer and merrymaking since at least the fifteenth century, but may have origins in older pre-Christian celebrations, and appeared in literature and holiday celebrations throughout the next several centuries. Looking at the evolution of Saint Nicholas over time, it seems as though artwork depicting him has evolved to look more like Santa Claus, not the other way around. This image of Saint Nicholas lacks many of his typical attributes but is still recognizable as a saint through his halo and the cross on his robes. In early-nineteenth century New York, Pintard was responsible for promoting Dutch traditions, including celebrations of Saint Nicholas’s (Sinterklaas’s) Day. This print of Saint Nicholas was made in 1810 by American illustrator Alexander Anderson and commissioned by New York Historical Society founder John Pintard.

His appearance and clothing differ greatly from work to work, though he has a number of attributes, including his bishop’s miter (hat) and crozier (staff with curled end).

#Art through the ages windows#

Images of Saint Nicholas have appeared everywhere from Russian icons to stained glass windows in churches, medieval manuscript illuminations, and several centuries of paintings, drawings, and prints. Nicholas’s Day (December 6th), but the tradition eventually moved to Christmas Day. Known for his protection of children and generosity to the poor, Nicholas became associated with gift giving in many European nations as early as the twelfth century. Saint Nicholas (270-343), Bishop of Myra, was an early Christian forerunner of Santa Claus. So, how did he become who he is today? Saint Nicholas | Alexander Anderson

Santa Claus as we currently know him is the product of several centuries’ worth of Christmas tradition, literature, art, and advertising, and he has predecessors in religion, culture, and folk lore. He has many names in different countries and cultures, but the gift-giver commonly called Santa Claus is loved throughout the Christmas-celebrating world. Nicholas’ (1823), attributed to Clement Clarke Moore “’Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro’ the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St.