Today I would like to share a few Christmas postcards
created by U.S. artist Ellen H. Clapsaddle and
published by International Art Publishing Company.
This post will spotlight some traditional images of Santa
as well as a bit of history on the artist.
Ellen H. Clapsaddle was a prolific postcard artist.
She designed about 2,000 postcards which bear her signature.
There are many more of her designs that were unsigned.
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Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
International Art Publishing Company, Signed Ellen H. Clapsaddle,
Copyrighted from Original Painting 1907 |
Although Ellen never married and never had children
of her own, she is most loved for her images of children.
You will note that most of these postcards
show children along with Santa.
 |
Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
International Art Publishing Company, Signed Ellen H. Clapsaddle |
Ellen studied art at the Cooper Institute in New York City.
She began her career by offering individual art lessons
and did portraits and landscapes on commission.
Her work came to the attention of
International Art Publishing Company
and they featured her work on
calendars, postcards and other paper collectibles.
 |
Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
International Art Publishing Company, Unsigned Clapsaddle |
Since the premier engravers and publishers were located
in Germany, Ellen relocated to Germany
to spend time learning with these experts.
The postcard and greeting card business was profitable
and Ellen invested the bulk of the money she earned
in these firms who specialized in commercial art products.
 |
Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
International Art Publishing Company, Signed Ellen H. Clapsaddle
Copyrighted 1907 |
Ellen was in Germany at the outbreak of World War I in 1914.
The paper publishers’ factories were burned, records
and original artwork were destroyed.
Ellen found herself displaced, alone
and penniless in a foreign land.
 |
Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
International Art Publishing Company, Signed Ellen H. Clapsaddle
Series No. 2934 |
New York friends finally were able to locate Ellen in 1919
and brought her back to New York.
Her health had deteriorated as a result of her
first-hand suffering during the war
and coupled with the end of the German publishing industry,
Ellen was no longer able to earn a living through her art.
 |
Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
International Art Publishing Company, Signed Ellen H. Clapsaddle
Series No. 1459, Copyrighted 1912 |
Our ancestors admired the beautiful postcard artwork
and it was common for our ancestors to keep postcards
that they received in an album.
Safely protected from light while stored in these albums,
today’s collector is able to find cards
with images as bright and colorful
as those enjoyed when the cards
were originally produced.
We truly are fortunate our ancestors preserved these postcards
so we can delight in the work of Ellen H. Clapsaddle today.
Until next time, live and love well.
This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass. Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works. The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations. We would love to create a special doll for you!
