THE STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK
There is a special kind of magic that belongs only to childhood—a world where imagination knows no limits, curiosity is irresistible, and every little discovery holds the promise of something extraordinary.
In The Wonder of a Child, Santa reaches for his Nice Book to discover whether a little boy has been good. But while Santa's attention is elsewhere, the boy cannot resist sneaking a peek inside a Christmas gift. Just a little mischief, a little temptation, and all the irresistible innocence of being a child.
Within the warmth of Santa's workshop, surrounded by toys, treasures, and the enchantment of Christmas, the artwork invites us into a world where believing comes naturally, wonder fills the smallest things, and being a little naughty is simply part of being a little boy.
The Wonder of a Child celebrates the boundless imagination, playful curiosity, and timeless magic of childhood—a reminder that the greatest treasures are not always found inside a gift, but in the wonder of discovering what might be.
THE ARTISTIC PROCESS
Created through Larry Hersberger's multidisciplinary artistic process, the artwork began with a custom-built Christmas set and an original, personally directed photographic session.
The completed composition was printed onto fine art canvas and sealed. Oil colors were individually mixed by hand and applied across 100% of the visible canvas surface, creating the depth, texture, and expressive character of the finished painting. A protective finishing treatment completed the work.
ART REMAINS.
ABOUT THE SUBJECT
Cliff Snider | International Santa Claus Hall of Fame
Depicted in Majestic Santa, Cliff Snider has dedicated decades to bringing the spirit of Christmas to life. Inducted into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame in 2012, he is known for his philosophy of “Keeping Christ in Christmas.”
An author and storyteller, Snider has shared his remarkable journey through his writing, including Santa's Journey: Sharing Christmas Year Round. His life and legacy bring an additional layer of meaning to this original painting by Larry Hersberger.