Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), “The New Tavern Sign (Colonial Sign Painter), 1936. Interior illustration for “The Saturday Evening Post,” February 22, 1936. Oil on canvas. Private collection. ©SEPS: Curtis Licensing, Indianapolis, IN
Come in from the cold and enjoy our new group of themed galleries of Norman Rockwell’s work. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Rockwell’s first Saturday Evening Post cover, Boy with Baby Carriage (May 20, 1916); all year long we will be celebrating this and other milestones in the artist’s career.
Norman Rockwell at The Saturday Evening Post: 1916-1941
Echoing popular culture of the era, many of Rockwell’s early Post covers feature children at play and a light-hearted reflection of family life. The works in this gallery endeared him to the American public as each week millions of readers eagerly awaited a new Rockwell Post cover. Works in this gallery include Boy with Baby Carriage, Puppy Love, and a tribute to one of Rockwell’s favorite models, James Van Brunt, who appeared on several Post covers during this period.
Norman Rockwell at The Saturday Evening Post: 1942-1963
Norman Rockwell cemented his image as America’s painter through iconic covers such as Gossips, Roadblock, Before the Shot, and The Runaway. Recently on view at the United Nations headquarters, the Golden Rule painting, one of Rockwell’s final Post covers, portends his eventual move to Look magazine where he began to create more socially conscious paintings which reflected our changing society.
Ad Man: The Commercial Work of Norman Rockwell
Though best-known for his Saturday Evening Post covers, Rockwell was in high demand from companies wishing to capitalize on his beloved images of everyday Americans. Many of his commercial projects will be displayed, including work for Pan Am, Shredded Wheat, AT&T, and the Boy Scouts, for whom he illustrated their annual calendar for over 50 years.
Between the Covers: The Interior Artwork of Norman Rockwell
From the very beginning of his career, Norman Rockwell created illustrations to accompany stories in popular books and magazines. On view will be several paintings including New Kids in the Neighborhood and Norman Rockwell Visits a Country Editor, the actual dress worn by the model from The Problem We All Live With, and a rarely viewed whimsical sketch of the events that occurred while Rockwell’s Arlington, Vermont studio burned to the ground.
Our winter hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends/holidays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop in, grab a coffee, and feel the warmth of Rockwell’s iconic works.