Written by Jocelyn Boigenzahn, Curatorial Intern
Norman Rockwell (American, 1894 – 1978), Second Holiday, 1939, oil on canvas, 33 ¾ x 47 ¼ in., Purchased with funds from the Morton R. Hirschberg Bequest, AP.2005.6.1.
Norman Rockwell was most well known for his paintings of American life in the mid-20th century.
In 1943, Rockwell was inspired by President Franklin Roosevelt’s address to Congress, which spurred his most well known works, the Four Freedoms paintings. These paintings were reproduced in four consecutive issues of The Saturday Evening Post with essays by contemporary writers. Rockwell led the way for many more artists to display works of art through mass- media forums. Therefore, we celebrate you, Mr. Rockwell, for opening up the world of art for all to appreciate and enjoy.
