Based on artwork by American illustrator J.C. Leyendecker (1874-1951, the stamp hailed the beginning of the year 2000 with traditional image of a baby ringing in the New Year. This New Year's baby originally appeared on the cover of the Jan. 2, 1937, issue of The Saturday Evening Post. Leyendecker illustrated covers featuring the New Year's baby for The Saturday Evening Post for nearly 40 years, and contributed more than 300 covers overall during his career. He also served as a role model for the young Norman Rockwell. Leyendecker was born in Germany and emigrated with his parents and younger brother to America in 1882. With his family unable to provide education beyond age 15, the artist apprenticed himself to J. Manz & Co., a Chicago engraving house, and took evening art lessons at the Chicago Art Institute. The New Year's baby depicted amidst streamers and confetti on the Year 2000 stamp is wearing a top hat, blowing a horn and ringing a cowbell. A metallic circle appearing behind the baby is a design element of the original magazine cover.