Norman Rockwell's Santa and Expense Book

December 4, 1920 Issue of The Saturday Evening Post

This painting by Norman Rockwell, Santa and Expense Book, appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post published December 4, 1920.

An alternate title is Santa's Children. This is a perennial favorite of Rockwell collectors of all ages.

This painting was Rockwell's first picture of Santa Claus featured on the cover of The Post. Rockwell's first Post Christmas cover appeared on December 9, 1916.

The original oil on canvas, 22 x 20 inches or 56 x 51 cm, resides in a private collection.

This illustration has been reproduced in four Rockwell commentary books, as llustration 329 of Norman Rockwell's America by Christopher Finch, as illustration 136 of Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator by Thomas Buechner, on page 23 of Norman Rockwell: A Sixty Year Retrospective by Thomas Buechner and on page 85 of Norman Rockwell, A Definitive Catalogue by Laurie Norton Moffatt.

This Santa Claus picture continued The Post's long tradition of presenting a Norman Rockwell Christmas painting on its cover.

In fact, when thinking of Santa Claus, most people envision him the way Norman Rockwell painted him.

And what a bargain at only five cents!

Naughty or Nice? Santa Knows!

Of course, we presume that this illustration is a real time portrayal of Santa Claus. It is three weeks before Christmas. Santa is checking his list.

The good boys and girls would be expenses because they would be getting toys and treats for Christmas.

The bad boys and girls would also be expenses because lumps of coal and switches, while cheaper than toys, are not free!

Now it's crunch time for getting on the "good" list.

Rockwell nicely conveys his message that children are always in Santa's thoughts. Even while he is balancing his ledger, Santa Claus is still envisioning children's smiling faces and thinking about making them happy.

Or is the background actually portraying Santa daydreaming while he finishes his bookkeeping? Could imagining children's smiles be how Santa unwinds?

Thankfully, Norman Rockwell didn't answer these questions, so the interpretation is still up to the viewer.

Available as a Stretched Canvas Print in 3 Sizes:

Framing is available.

8 x 10 Strecthed Canvas Print 14 x 16 Stretched Canvas Print 18 x 22 Stretched Canvas Print

Santa Claus's Bookmark

One of the many intricate and thought-provoking details in this painting is Santa's bookmark.

Notice the monogram, SC, on the bookmark.

Also notice the crease about one third of the way down, where it hangs over the edge of the book.

And, of course, Christmas Red and Green are also Santa's favorite colors.

Attention to detail has always been a Norman Rockwell trademark.

12 x 14 Giclee Print 17 x 20 Giclee Print 22 x 26 Giclee Print

Norman Rockwell's Santa and Expense Book (1920)
Copyright © 1920 Saturday Evening Post & Curtis Publishing Company

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