Friday, December 9, 2011

Snow People

More postcards published by Darling and Company, Seattle.

"It is hard to imagine a winter without snow creatures, but Bob Eckstein, in his History of the Snowman, can find no proof of their existence before the Middle Ages. They make their first appearance in the 16th-century, travel to Colonial America with its abundance of snow, flourish in 18th-century Northern Europe and Russia, and, like so many other whimsical and ephemeral creative pursuits, bloom in the Victorian era. Sadly, the middle and late 20th-century see the advent of artificial snowmen,but technology gives, even as it takes away, and snow people are now being celebrated via the internet -- perhaps the perfect medium for these transients. The picturing of snow people flourished in the penny postcard era (1890 - 1920) when many thousands of Christmas postcards featured these merry creatures. The illustrators, not content with everyday static snowmen, showed them in a variety of activities - walking, playing, courting, spying, cooking, and even melting. Families of snow people were pictured as well as their snow companion animals. There are 30 postcards in this collection."


Snowman Postcard


Gertrude Caspari was the artist for this snowman carrying his hat.
Caspari was a very important childrens' book illustrator in Germany.
She was known for her bright colors.
The original was published around 1911.


Snowman Postcard


No artist, publisher or date are given for this charming postcard.
Even the tree is smiling and waving!

My thanks to Beth for hosting Postcard Friendship Friday.

Wishing YOU well and fun filled weekend!

13 comments:

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Really lovely!!! In may ways Ms. Caspari's works of art remind me of Mary Engelbreit. Thank you for sharing the work of these wonderful treasures! Have a grand day!!! Cathy

Debra She Who Seeks said...

No one can frown while looking at a snow person!

Anonymous said...

Caspari did amazing work and always beautiful to see. Thanks for sharing these Snap, so lovely. xox Corrine

Pondside said...

I love each of these, but of course your header is the winner every time!
You know, I have a photo of myself at about age 2 in an outfit just like the little girl in the card.

DeniseinVA said...

These are very enjoyable. Thank you for sharing them, I love anything like this.

LindyLouMac said...

What a lovely old postcard.

LiT Web Studio said...

wonderful - i love the whiskers on the top snowman!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

What cute postcards, Snap... I love seeing all of the cards you show us --on Postcard Fridays...

Interesting info about the history of the snowman... Thanks!!!
Hugs,
Betsy

Paul van Yperen said...

The Gaspari postcard is timeless and wonderful. Great find. Happy PFF!

Jenn Jilks said...

THey are beautiful!

Postcard Blogger said...

great collection! love the post

Irene said...

these are wonderful! I love snow people too. thanks so much for stopping by.

Beth Niquette said...

I had never thought of the history of snowmen before. How cool! I loved this post. You've inspired me.

I love snowmen so much. We don't have much snow in our little bowl by the river, so in the past I've had the young'uns bring snow back from the mountains to put into my yard, so I could build a snowman. LOL

Happy PFF!