Is any artist more American than Norman Rockwell? He has captured the soul of America, drawn the wide-eyed eagerness of our children and painted the steadfastness of our traditions. Some of his works may come across as over-sentimentalized Americana. But he was also a champion of equal rights and created some iconic images of the civil rights movement like the image below of little Ruby Brooks integrating a New Orleans school.
Some critics have been dismissive of the fact that much of his work was done for magazine covers. That in no way should detract from the quality of his creations and the enormity of his talent.
These images are from the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass., the town where he lived from 1959 until his death in 1978 at age 84.
Rockwell on race
The Problem We All Live With 
New Kids in the Neighborhood 
Golden Rule
Rockwell’s Kids
The Apothecary 
Gee Thanks, Brooks 
No Swimming
Rockwell on Rockwell
Artist Facing Blank Canvas (Deadline) 
Triple Self-Portrait
Rockwell on work.
Expense Account (Traveling Salesman) 
The Law Student 
The Lineman
The Four Freedoms (1943, during World War II)
Freedom from Want 
Freedom from Fear 
Freedom of Speech 
Freedom of Worship
off the leash 
In 2012, the Winnipeg Art Gallery in my home city hosted a touring exhibition of Rockwell paintings. It was fascinating. He is often associated with presenting an idealized version of American life, but he did tackle social issues as well. The many details in his works chronicle periods in time.
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I love his style. Stunning artwork.
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The art snobs be damned! Rockwell made as much an impact as Picasso. The people in his paintings; all residents of his hometown, family and friends. He represented life as it was in his village, and how he saw America and what it should be at that time. A brilliant man with a God given talent.
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Well said.
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You don’t see Brooks Robinson in a painting every day. This possibly is the only one he’s in.
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Great brother
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I love, love, love Rockwell! So captures the American ideal and our attempts to fulfill it. And I love how he captures the magic and romance of everyday life.
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Rockwell’s paintings tell the stories of everyday of American life; they are humor, wisdom, poetry, often all in one piece. His painting stands out.
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Amazing talent. 🌟
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