Checking it Twice
$375.00
Editorial View
The Gallery's Perspective
A hush of kindness settles over this scene: Santa, robed in a richly patterned crimson cloak, leans forward with careful attention as a small girl offers him a globe. The painting's warm lamplight gathers the two figures into an intimate moment—her hopeful, steady gaze and his gentle, slightly surprised expression make the exchange feel less about spectacle and more about shared care. Rich, tactile details—the plush fur trim, the worn leather chair, a tray with tea and pie, and a softly glowing Christmas tree—create a lived-in domestic warmth that contrasts with the larger-than-life idea of Santa. The globe, held between them, becomes the quiet focal point: an emblem of guidance and generosity rather than grandeur. Colors are deep and comforting—velvety reds, soft greens, and honeyed highlights—so the image reads as both nostalgic and reassuring. This is a picture about the small human generosity behind a myth: a tender, hopeful vignette that delights without being sentimental.
The Artwork
About One Christmas Eve
One Christmas Eve<br> LIMITED EDITION CANVAS
This warm and welcoming scene conveys the adage “it is better to give than to receive” as a young girl waits up for Santa to give him a present. What would Santa need most? A globe of course! This child wants to help him find his way to everyone on his route and she is quite confident that this will do the trick. For everyone who loves the giving of gifts more than the getting, this charming limited edition will bring joy for years to come.
Collector Details
What to Know About This Piece
Product-specific details, edition information, provenance, and special considerations are shown here when applicable.
About the Collection
Dean Morrissey (1951–2021) was a celebrated American fantasy artist and children's book illustrator, renowned for his enchanting oil paintings that bring imaginative worlds to life. His notable works include "The Christmas Ship" and "The Great Kettles," which showcase his whimsical storytelling and masterful depiction of Santa Claus and other fantastical subjects. Morrissey's art is characterized by its rich detail and warmth, making his collectible art prints highly sought after by enthusiasts of fantasy and children's literature illustrations.
Artist Signature
Signed by the artist
This piece is artist signed and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
Image Rights
Image copyright © 2026 by Dean Morrissey.
Authorized Source
Authenticity & Documentation
Buy with confidence
Limited-edition artwork includes a Certificate of Authenticity when one is issued by the artist, publisher, studio, or authorized source. Open-edition pieces may not include a certificate; this does not affect their authenticity. The Collection Shop sources artwork through artists, publishers, authorized distributors, galleries, and other approved channels. Any additional documentation included with this specific piece will be noted above.
"Dean Morrissey has been drawing and creating characters since his childhood in
Boston. Inspired by Disney matte paintings and comic book heroes early on, he
grew to appreciate the works of the masters, such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Pyle
and N.C. Wyeth.
Morrissey worked a variety of job until deciding to paint full time in the late
1970 s. He worked as a freelance book cover illustrator for over 15 different
publishers in New York and won numerous awards. Morrissey is self taught, and
considers the demands of cover illustration to have been his "art school".
In 1991, Morrissey began to paint some images from a story that he was
creating. His books include Ship of Dreams Harry N Abrams (1994), The Great
Kettles: A Tale of Time Harry N Abrams (1997), The Song of Celestine Little,
Brown and Co. (1998), The Christmas Ship HarperCollins (2000), A Christmas
Carol Greenwich Workshop Press (2000), The Moon Robber HarperCollins (2001),
The Winter King HarperCollins (2002), and The Monster Trap HarperCollins
(2004).
His awards include The Society of Illustrators Gold Medal for The Great
Kettles, The Chesley Award for The Light Ship (2002), and he is a current
nominee for this year s Chesley Award for Anna of the Celts (2003).
Morrissey lives with his wife Shan and his son on the South Shore of
Massachusetts.
"
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