Norman Rockwell: Painting History
       


select a cover to learn more:

                          











Shall We Dance
January 13, 1917

Although not quite in the 20's, this Post cover clearly
displays a changing norm in society. The young girl's
attention is focused solely on the older man. Her gaze
seems almost obsessive, and she refuses to acknowledge
the presence of the younger boy who is asking her to
dance. As the decade continues, Rockwell's development
of this changing time period is evident.

top  









Courting Couple at Midnight
March 22, 1919

Rockwell's development of a changing youth continues here.
The boy's expressions clearly show shock due to the late
midnight hour which seemingly came too fast. The girl's
expression, however, shows her lack of care regarding time.
She is living for the moment. These changing patterns in
dating as well as personality within the female youth was
effected greatly by the flapper movement, which struck the
United States in the 20's.

top  











Fortune Teller
March 12, 1921

The movement of the flapper throughout the United States
created a new style among women. It is present here in
Rockwell's Post cover. Note the women's short, bobbed hair-
cut. The evolution of the flapper was at its peak in then
20's. The media, including advertisements and newly fashioned
models, greatly impacted the female population, and changes
became evident. The gestures of the woman alone, in this
painting, portray this change Rockwell had seen in society.
She sits delicately, leaning into the man while tracing his
palm lines with her finger. She appears playful and lively,
just as the flappers were portrayed through the media.

top  









No Swimming
May 4, 1921

Even in his earlier years, Rockwell painted boy
characters like that of Tom Sawyer and/or Huck Finn.
Rockwell was well aware that boys would get into
any mischief possible, and this picture relays
that belief to the viewer. Rockwell continued to
paint children throughout his career, attempting
to create pictures reflecting everyday life in
America as well as the growing youth of the nation.

top  









Doctor and Doll
March 9, 1929

Rockwell's most notable talent was his ability to reach
all audiences through a single picture. This Post cover
serves as a prime example. The medical field was always
pleased with Rockwell's work, for he always treated them
sympathetically. Here, the doctor is portrayed 'breaking
the ice' with a young patient. The girl represents a
child-like fear or uncertainty, one to which the rest of
the population could relate. The cover became a well
known work, reaching people all over the nation.

top  
1
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws