During the middle of the 20th century, Norman Rockwell became America’s artist. He captured the best of what America represented: freedom, friendship, and family, these typically encapsulated with a sense of patriotism. Yes, it was Rockwell who captured all that with his artistic realism, but the depth to which he captured that reality depended heavily…
Profiles in History: Norman Rockwell: Up from the Ashes
By 1943, Norman Rockwell (Feb. 3, 1894–Nov. 8, 1978) had long been a household name. At almost 50 years old, he had become America’s illustrator, telling stories of American life through his fresh and often humorous paintings. His career officially began at 15, when he was commissioned to paint four Christmas cards. While still in…
Faith, Family, and Freedom: Why Norman Rockwell’s World War II Masterpiece Still Matters Today
December 7, 2022
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Arts & CultureArts & TraditionBrightFamily & EducationFranklin D Rooseveltfreedom of speechNorman RockwellNorman Rockwell MuseumThe Four Freedoms
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In the winter and spring of 1942, America and her allies were taking some hard punches. The Germans had renewed their offenses in North Africa and the Soviet Union, and their submarine warfare in the North Atlantic inflicted catastrophic losses on convoys sailing from the United States to Europe and Russia. On the other side…
Stephen Vincent Benét’s Essay, ‘Freedom From Fear’: Author Illuminates Norman Rockwell’s Painting, ‘Freedom From Fear’
September 12, 2022
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"Freedom From Fear""The Saturday Evening Post"Arts & CulturebooksBrightNorman RockwellStephen Vincent Benét
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In 1943, The Saturday Evening Post commissioned the eminent American poet Stephen Vincent Benét to write an essay to accompany Norman Rockwell’s painting “Freedom From Fear.” In Rockwell’s painting, we see a husband and wife tucking their son and daughter into bed. This picture seems to represent safety and comfort. The children look peaceful in…
Carlos Bulosan’s Essay, ‘Freedom From Want:’ A Freedom Borne of Work
August 30, 2022
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"Freedom From Want"Arts & CultureArts & TraditionbooksBrightCarlos BulosanNorman RockwellThanksgiving
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When we all gather around the table with friends and family for Thanksgiving or Christmas, we feel joyful and thankful to be surrounded by such good people and blessings. During this time, we celebrate and share our blessings—the fruits of our labor, borne of struggle and effort. In 1943, Norman Rockwell captured this joy and…
Will Durant’s Essay ‘Freedom of Worship’: A Story About a Little Church
“Each according to the dictates of his own conscience.” This phrase, attributed to George Washington, illuminates the top of Norman Rockwell’s painting “Freedom of Worship,” which shows eight different people praying. Each individual shows his own form of worship, whether it is pensive, thankful, patient, sad, petitioning, or filled with wonder. Some people look upwards,…
Norman Rockwell’s America
“I was showing the America I knew and observed to others who might not have noticed.” —Norman Rockwell Norman Rockwell’s career spanned six decades, and he is certainly one of America’s best-known 20th century artists. Many of us love him. Many dismiss him as a romanticist and kitschy caricaturist, but a showing of his works…
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