Norman Rockwell

Date of Birth: February 3, 1894

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: November 8, 1978

Biography

Norman Perceval Rockwell was an American painter and illustrator, born on February 3, 1894, in New York City. He is best known for his cover illustrations for “The Saturday Evening Post,” which he created for nearly five decades. Rockwell’s work is characterized by its reflection of American culture and values, often depicting everyday scenes with a touch of humor and empathy. His career began at a young age when he enrolled in art classes at the New York School of Art, and he later attended the National Academy of Design and the Art Students League. Rockwell’s first major success came at the age of 22 when he painted his first cover for “The Saturday Evening Post.” Over his lifetime, he produced over 4,000 original works, many of which were used in advertisements, book illustrations, and calendars. Some of his most famous works include the “Four Freedoms” series, inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1941 State of the Union address, and “The Problem We All Live With,” which addressed the issue of school desegregation. Despite facing criticism from some art critics who dismissed his work as overly sentimental or commercial, Rockwell’s paintings have remained immensely popular. They have been exhibited in prestigious institutions, including the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, which houses the largest collection of his art. Rockwell passed away on November 8, 1978, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence and inspire.

5 Interesting Facts about Norman Rockwell

1. Norman Rockwell created 321 covers for “The Saturday Evening Post.”

2. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977.

3. Rockwell’s painting “Saying Grace” sold for $46 million at auction in 2013.

4. He illustrated over 40 books, including “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

5. Rockwell was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and created illustrations for their publication, “Boys’ Life,” for over 60 years.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Norman Rockwell

1. “I paint life as I would like it to be.”

2. “The secret to so many artists living so long is that every painting is a new adventure. So, you see, they’re always looking ahead to something new and exciting.”

3. “Without thinking too much about it in specific terms, I was showing the America I knew and observed to others who might not have noticed.”

4. “Some people have been kind enough to call me a fine artist. I’ve always called myself an illustrator.”

5. “I was showing the America I knew and observed to others who might not have noticed.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Norman Rockwell’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Norman Rockwell had three sons with his second wife, Mary Barstow Rockwell: Jarvis Waring Rockwell, Thomas Rhodes Rockwell, and Peter Barstow Rockwell.