Norman Rockwell working on “Golden Rule” in his South Street, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, studio, 1960. Photo by Bill Scovill. Licensed by Norman Rockwell Licensing, Niles, IL. From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum.

Reproduced to its actual size, a large charcoal drawing of the United Nations that inspired Rockwell’s cover painting will resume its original place for his reference, and a facsimile of the oil in progress will rest on his easel. Studies for The Golden Rule and other Post covers, his palette, paint tubes and props—from a French fireman’s helmet to a leather purse and an American flag—will be on view. Imagery by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingre, Canaletto, Pablo Picasso, and wife Mary Rockwell provided inspiration, as did an array of cultural artifacts that reflect the artist’s interests and experiences. Of his work on the piece Rockwell said, “I beat my brains out for four months painting it. I was completely absorbed in the project. As you know, the Golden Rule is the only common denominator of all religions including even the Druids and the Egyptians’ Book of the Dead.” Indicative of the artist’s personal philosophy, The Golden Rule was a precursor of the socially conscious subjects that he was yet to undertake.

Learn more about Norman Rockwell’s Golden Rule