Leyendecker popularized the kind of visual symbolism that brands still use to connect with customers, including a jolly Santa Claus at Christmas, fireworks on the Fourth of July and flowers on Mother’s Day.
His appealing drawings of handsome, sophisticated gentlemen drew appreciation from women and admiration from men. But Leyendecker was forced to keep a secret in his work and his life: He was gay.
In fact, his main model and muse, the one who earned those admiring glances from all audiences, was his lover and life partner Charles Beach.
This profound documentary reveals the ways that Leyendecker’s artwork for national brands was coded with messages that spoke volumes to LGTBQ audiences, but remained hidden from his clients.