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August 19 is National Aviation Day. And the team at Mini Masters Art is proud to offer patriotic and historic art to help you celebrate. If you love planes, helicopters or ultra-lights, or have a special veteran in your life, enjoy this painting titled, Veteran Aviator by JC Leyendecker.

About Veteran Aviator

This work graced the cover of the Saturday Evening Post on July 8, 1933. Created after World War I (WWI), it portrays a young but decorated aviator demonstrating a toy plane and exciting maneuvers to two young boys and their faithful dog.

The audience may speculate that the young pilot is an uncle, cousin or older brother, freshly returned from WWI. With great excitement and the embellishment of an older sibling, he describes dangerous missions to his younger relatives or neighbors.

You'll Love the Details in this Piece

Notice the big, beautiful sky beyond the subjects. It feels both immense and inviting, and it's that perfect shade of blue with a great fluffy cloud. One could wonder how many attempts it takes to capture that perfectly deep, endless blue.

We also love the rich leather jacket worn by the aviator. Notice the texture in the sleeves and cuffs and the folding layers of leather. The jacket is so realistic that we can almost smell the leather!

The aviator in uniform seen with medals and well-shined shoes. He must be just getting home from deployment. His hat shines bright against the brim.

The younger boys dressed casually for a summer day. We notice they're both lean in an active, healthy way. From the subject's hair and the enormous cloud in the background, we get the sense of a breeze blowing in from the coast.

One imagines these boys spending a sunny summer day on the coast playing with a toy plane and their dog when their beloved uncle suddenly arrives home.

More Symbolism in this Piece

Their little companion dog sits attentively beside the boys, adding a sense of youthful innocence and loyalty to the piece.

The toy plane could symbolize thrilling dreams of flight passing from the aviator to the younger generation. Both youngsters gaze raptly in open-mouthed wonder. You can tell they're completely captivated by the story spun for them. For many, this piece describes the vital part older role models play in our development.

About Joseph Christian (JC) Leyendecker

The Haggin Museum says JC Leyendecker was born in Germany and came to Chicago with his family in 1882.  At 16, we know he was apprenticed to the engraving house of J. Manz & Company. Over time, he became a full-time staff artist and then attended the Chicago Art Institute. His first commercial works included 60 images for an illustrated edition of The Bible.

Like Veteran Aviator, Leyendecker's art often portrays themes of heroism, legacy, and the influence of role models.

On National Aviation Day

Established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, National Aviation Day 
provides an opportunity to honor and celebrate aviators of all ages and skill levels.

This year, the day also marks the 150th birthday of Katharine Wright. According to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Katharine, the sister of the Wright brothers, played an important role in the early US aviation industry and was a key representative of the Wright Company.

Celebrating Katharine Wright on 8/19/2024

We know she had a strong character for a woman of the time and offered her "unwavering support and practical advice" to her brothers. She usually handled communications and writing and supported their test flight operations as they traveled. In 1909, she accompanied her brothers to Europe to obtain funding and promote sales and acted as the representative of the Wright Company before they achieved celebrity status in Europe and the US.

Every year, the sitting US president can make a proclamation for National Aviation Day. If they do, we'll see flags on government buildings and perhaps special air shows nationwide. If you'd like to learn more about aviation history or experience National Aviation Day with the First Flight Society, check out their website.

We Invite You to Own a Miniature Masterpiece from Mini Masters Art. If you appreciate this piece or any other classic artwork, we invite you to explore our website and order a miniature version. Measuring just 4.75" x 5.5", it’s the perfect size to add a touch of charm to your desk, office, or bedside table without taking up much space.

You can choose your frame, and we offer a gift box for that special veteran or aviation enthusiast in your life. Visit our blog page for more articles on famous works of art from around the world.