A handwritten Christmas classic could fetch $500,000 at auction, sparking debate over the commercialization of cherished traditions.
At a Glance
- Rare handwritten copy of “A Visit From St. Nicholas” to be auctioned at Christie’s
- Poem, beginning with “‘Twas the night before Christmas,” shaped modern Santa Claus image
- Expected to sell for around $500,000, highlighting its cultural significance
- Manuscript features ornate handwriting with distinctive loops and curls
- No known original manuscript exists; this copy discovered in a private collection
A Christmas Classic Goes Under the Hammer
As the holiday season approaches, a piece of Christmas history is set to make waves in the auction world. Christie’s is preparing to sell a rare handwritten copy of “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” the poem that famously begins “‘Twas the night before Christmas.” This literary treasure, penned by Clement Clarke Moore, is expected to fetch a staggering $500,000.
Peter Klarnet, a senior specialist at Christie’s, emphasized the manuscript’s importance, stating, “There it is, the beginning of the modern Christmas.” This sentiment underscores the poem’s role in shaping our contemporary vision of Santa Claus and Christmas traditions.
The History and Impact of “A Visit From St. Nicholas”
Written in 1822 and published anonymously in 1823, “A Visit From St. Nicholas” played a pivotal role in transforming St. Nicholas into the American icon we know today as Santa Claus. The poem’s vivid descriptions of a “right jolly old elf” and his reindeer-drawn sleigh have become ingrained in our collective imagination, shaping Christmas celebrations for generations.
The manuscript up for auction features ornate handwriting with distinctive loops and curls, adding to its aesthetic appeal. Interestingly, there is no known original manuscript of the poem, making this handwritten copy all the more valuable. It was discovered among the manuscripts of Adrian Van Sinderen, a collector who passed away in 1963, and was initially mistaken for a facsimile before being confirmed as handwritten due to variations in ink tone.
Preserving Cultural Heritage: Public vs. Private Ownership
While the auction highlights the enduring appeal of “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” it also raises concerns about the accessibility of important cultural artifacts. With a projected price tag of $500,000, this piece of Christmas history may end up in private hands, potentially limiting public access to a work that has shaped American holiday traditions for two centuries.
The contrast between the auction and the recent donation of another significant manuscript to the Morgan Library & Museum is striking. The Morgan acquired the earliest manuscript with color illustrations of “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” illustrated by Moore’s daughter, Mary Clarke Moore Ogden. This acquisition ensures public access to this important piece of cultural history, as it will be displayed alongside Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” from November 26, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
The Future of Cultural Preservation
As we approach the holiday season, the auction of this rare “A Visit From St. Nicholas” manuscript serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding the preservation and accessibility of cultural artifacts. While private collectors play a crucial role in preserving history, we must also consider the importance of public access to these treasures that have shaped our shared cultural experiences.
