March 23, 1874 – J. C. Leyendecker perhaps the most successful commercial artist of the 20th century was born in Montabour, Germany. He is best known for his poster, book and advertising illustrations, the trade character known as The Arrow Collar Man, and his numerous covers for The Saturday Evening Post.  

Between 1896 and 1950, Leyendecker painted more than 400 magazine covers. 

Leyendecker virtually invented the whole idea of modern magazine design.  His work on the Arrow Shirt Man, is still sexy today. When the ads first appeared in magazines carloads of letters from female fans would arrive daily. But, the model he used was not available. He was Leyendecker’s lover Charles Beach.