This is the time of year when I find myself searching for vintage postcards, especially those created in the late 1800s and early 1900s by artist Ellen Clapsaddle. Most
sell in the $10-50 range. Reproductions of her
illustrations frequently appear on vintage-style
decorative accessories, as well ~ cards, ornaments, calendars.
The artist's life was filled with high's and low's, like many artists. Ellen was born January 8, 1863 in South Columbia, New York. She developed her artistic skills studying at the Cooper Institute in New
York City. She
illustrated several postcards that caught the attention of
International Art Publishing. Her artwork was featured on calendars, cards and other types of ephemera from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. She is best known for
her colorful artistry found on vintage greeting postcards, many of
which featured children and youth with sweet expressions. During her
career, Clapsaddle completed close to 2,000 postcard illustrations. While later working for the Wolf Company in the early 1900s, she moved to Germany. When WW 1 broke out, she was stranded in Germany. The
factory where her original illustrations were stored was burned; she was alone, and
no longer able to earn a living as an artist. She wandered the streets until one of the Wolf
Company brothers traveled to Europe and brought her back to New York. She was 55 years old; she had never married. In
1932, Ellen Clapsaddle moved to the Peabody Home in New York where she lived the last two years of her life. She died penniless just before her 69th
birthday on January 7, 1934. But her talent continues to be recognized worldwide.
These are some of my favorite holiday Ellen Clapsaddle illustrations. They can be reprinted for use on holiday tags, homemade greeting cards, magnets, etc. Enjoy! ~ Cheryl