Checking it Twice
$375.00
Editorial View
The Gallery's Perspective
There’s a gentle conspiratorial smile in this Santa’s eyes — the look of someone easing across a quiet parlor to leave a small, secret blessing. Dean Morrissey’s Father Christmas reads as warmly patriotic: his coat dotted with stars and trousers striped like a flag feel both nostalgic and playful. The familiar comforts of home — a ticking grandfather clock, a glowing hearth, a bowl of cookies and a softly upholstered chair — anchor the scene in late-night calm, while the sack of toys slung over his shoulder adds delightful detail: a rocking horse, a jack-in-the-box, a patchwork doll peeking out. Warm lamplight sculpts his white beard and glasses, casting soft shadows that emphasize his careful, hush-gesture. The painting balances history and holiday charm, making this Santa at once an emblem of national unity and a tender, intimate visitor who brings quiet reassurance and the small joys of childhood into the room.
The Artwork
About The Promise of Peace and Tranquility - Father Christmas During the Civil War
The Promise of Peace and Tranquility - Father Christmas During the Civil War<br> LIMITED EDITION CANVAS
Add a little patriotic spirit to your Christmas celebration this year with Dean Morrissey’s The Promise of Peace and Tranquility. After all, the holidays are the time when we focus on all we share and the blessings we have in common in this great country.
During the Civil War, artist Thomas Nast created a Yuletide first: a gift bearing Father Christmas visiting front-line troops, handing gifts out to soldiers and children. Nearly all the elements he included in that 1862 drawing of Santa continue to this day: his sleigh pulled by reindeer, a long white beard, a furry hat, collar and belt. Truly, the iconic American Santa. Thomas Nast's 1862 vision of a star-spangled Father Christmas embodied the spirit of a unified and prosperous nation in the face of the divisive Civil War.
What Dean Morrissey has so remarkably brought to full-color life is just how striking that star-spangled was and how timely the thought of a unified country can be. What could be better in the coming Christmas season than knowing Santa’s pulling for the red, white and blue, too?
This is the first in a series of paintings Morrissey will be doing on the history of Father Christmas and certainly a definitive holiday statement if there ever was one. Dean Morrissey's magical work shows that the spirit of Christmas and country never go out of style. Order your canvas or paper fine art edition today and enjoy the The Promise of Peace and Tranquility¯Father Christmas During the Civil War for years to come.
During the Civil War, artist Thomas Nast created a Yuletide first: a gift bearing Father Christmas visiting front-line troops, handing gifts out to soldiers and children. Nearly all the elements he included in that 1862 drawing of Santa continue to this day: his sleigh pulled by reindeer, a long white beard, a furry hat, collar and belt. Truly, the iconic American Santa. Thomas Nast's 1862 vision of a star-spangled Father Christmas embodied the spirit of a unified and prosperous nation in the face of the divisive Civil War.
What Dean Morrissey has so remarkably brought to full-color life is just how striking that star-spangled was and how timely the thought of a unified country can be. What could be better in the coming Christmas season than knowing Santa’s pulling for the red, white and blue, too?
This is the first in a series of paintings Morrissey will be doing on the history of Father Christmas and certainly a definitive holiday statement if there ever was one. Dean Morrissey's magical work shows that the spirit of Christmas and country never go out of style. Order your canvas or paper fine art edition today and enjoy the The Promise of Peace and Tranquility¯Father Christmas During the Civil War for years to come.
Collector Details
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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
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"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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