Golden Rule
In preparing to paint this 1961 Saturday Evening Post cover, Norman Rockwell noted that many countries, cultures, and religions incorporate some version of the Golden Rule into their belief systems. “Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You” is a simple but universal phrase that reflected Rockwell’s personal philosophy. A gathering of people from different cultures, religions, and ethnicities, this image was a precursor of the socially conscious subjects that Rockwell would illustrate in the 1960s and 1970s. Rockwell was a compassionate man, and this simple phrase reflected his philosophy.
I’d been reading up on comparative religion. The thing is that all major religions have the Golden Rule in Common. ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ Not always the same words but the same meaning.
– Norman Rockwell
Golden Rule
Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), 1961.
Oil on canvas, 44 ½” x 39 ½”. Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, April 1, 1961. Norman Rockwell Museum Collections. ©SEPS: Curtis Publishing,
Indianapolis, IN
The Norman Rockwell Museum Store offers Golden Rule related books, prints, and gifts.
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The Golden Rule in Every School
A Norman Rockwell Museum initiative.
This curriculum sheet has talking points, learning activities and questions related to the Golden Rule that can be used in the classroom.
Download here:
Looking at Golden Rule
A Golden Rule puzzle that supports the curriculum objectives and can be used in the classroom. There will be an accessible version of the puzzle available as well.
Explore more about Norman Rockwell’s Golden Rule
Norman Rockwell Museum Mobile App and Audio Tour
Take the Norman Rockwell Museum home with you and learn more about the Golden Rule.
Rockwell’s Golden Rule
The story behind the painting
Blog Post
Rockwell creates Golden Rule in his Stockbridge Studio
Press Release
Norman Rockwell: Global Citizen
Museum Director discusses Rockwell’s Golden Rule and the United Nations
Honoring The Golden Rule
The Obamas view Rockwell’s art
We the Peoples: Norman Rockwell’s United Nations
2015 exhibition