Two versions of the same idea by Joseph Leyendecker.

A follow up from his earlier Great War pair, here’s another double by American commercial artist Joseph Christian Leyendecker (1874–1951). In this ‘Aviator with two boys’ it’s two different images and two different art media takes on a single idea. Note the differences in the dog and children’s apparel, while the generic (elements of the Chance Vought F4U Corsair) model aircraft is the same. A studio prop perhaps? In some ways there’s a lot to like in the lower image – the pilot looks not much older than his enraptured subjects, but the ‘polish’ on the more finished example brings it much more to life. Which do you prefer and why?

James Kightly, Vintage Aero Writer.

Lower image from here.