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I have a complete magazine by rockwell dated june 1917 title american boy. I cannot find much info on this item or its value , could you if possible enlighten me?
I couldn't agree more, that art either touches you or it doesn't. Art in all its forms. I love Rockwell's work because it "takes me somewhere that I want to go" music, on the other hand, might be the only art form that is forced upon us, in that it might "touch you" whether you want it to or not. For example, Rap takes me somewhere I do not want to go. And I'm never very happy when I get there.
@@keatomic I’m in awe of artists like yourself. I wish I had the talent. After my father passed away my stepmother threw away his portfolio. What a waste.
@@tomricketts7821 it wasn’t 100 percent rose colored. In his later years some of his paintings might be considered social commentary on the issues of the day, and maybe you could say issues that are still current
Thank you. I fell in love with Norman Rockwell's work as a little girl and I am still a huge fan. To me, his ability to share so much emotion and story that we resonate with and so beautifully done is what makes him one of the best. Thank you for pointing the history spotlight on him in such a wonderful way.
Absolute home run on your depiction of Rockwell! Those who complained that his themes didn't cover the woes of life missed the fact that he was the cure. When we were down, and saw one of his pictorial epics, we smiled, and found healing hope. Instead of fitting into the symphony of misery, he was the guide that shined the light on the path out of disparity, and the solution to our ills was found in the ubiquitous simple joys.
I'm British & I love Norman Rockwell's work. What I find poignant is that he depicted an America trying to be the best it could be, & that hopeful, striving-to-be -better America is the one which so many of us beyond your borders once revered.😢
America is still that. There’s bad news about america but that’s because no one seems to care that much about news from anywhere else and they and the news seem to look mostly for the bad. There’s up and down periods in any country and a lot of places have that now. Most Americans work extremely hard, American companies dominate nearly every industry from space travel to renewable energy to entertainment. Most powerful military in the world and most of our enemies have as much or more problems. Most places in general have has many or more problems actually so just standard there. And there are still great American inventors and entertainers and many Americans revere Americana stuff and it is based on actual places and people and cultural things. A lot of people seem to think it’s like some exaggerated thing but you can find towns and places like this today and ask people from those times periods. No period was perfect but it is based on actual Americans culture and history.
@@ComeAlongKay I'm sure lots is still great. I took my family on holiday to Chicago, Wisconsin & Michigan's U.P. in 2008 & the welcome everywhere was amazing. Whereas I had drinks with my neighbours earlier this week - a couple who moved here recently from Georgia. They said they value the fact that if they pull into the wrong driveway or ring the wrong doorbell, there's zero chance of being shot, because we make it extremely difficult for anyone to own a gun here. They doubt they'll ever go back.
@Mark DDW Sounds like your neighbors and possibly even you have some irrational fears and even misconceptions about crime and gun crime in America. Every country has violent crime and violence in general has been part of mankind since the beginning of time. Whether it be by gun, fist, stone, spear, knife, arrow, club, explosives, vehicle, or any other means; man has unfortunately committed violence against others. The big difference now is we have a moral and spiritual decay. Couple that with a dishonest media and corrupt power hungry politicians and here we are, scared of other people and blaming objects for the morally corrupt decisions of man.
@@ComeAlongKay it’s not possible to not see the extreme division in Americas society. I once looked up to this country in awe, up to the late 2000s. Then the social division happened and people allowed it to happen. Society spread Into certain „communities“ instead of one common society of free individuals. 15 years ago neighborhood barbecues with republicans and democrats where normal. Black, white, hispanic and Asians where invited as was the gay couple. That would be absolutely impossible these days because all those „communities“ hate and fight each other these days. United we stand, divided we fall. That what the USA once was for me. Nowadays it’s clearly the latter and only Americana still keeps my fond memories of a child in Germany, dreaming about American freedom. It really saddens me that Americans fell for the propaganda from all sites without recognizing it and are on the brink of destroying „the greatest country on this planet“…
It always cracks me up how painters talk about how art is supposed to be expressive but if you express yourself in the wrong way, it's ridiculed as "insufficient." I'm not a big Rockwell fan but I appreciate him following his own vision and not being cowed by the "art" scene
My parents, who both received the Saturday Evening Post at home when these covers were fresh, had a coffee table book filled with reprints of his paintings. I've always enjoyed his work. Still do to this day.
He has been and remains one of my favorite artists. He may be considered kitch or schmaltzy but there is something endearing about art the celebrates the hope and optimism of simple everyday Americans. Americana at its best. I hope we can get some of that back during these awful turbulent times.
I'm sometimes lucky in a good way - I found in an antiques gallery a large full-color print of Rockwell's 'The Runaway', which depicts a young lad seated on a stool at the counter of a diner - the boy has a waltzing matilda bag on a stick, is engaged in a conversation with a police officer seated next to him while the diner cook leans in to listen to their conversation. The officer was in fact a Massachusetts policeman who modeled for Rockwell in this illustration. The print is signed in pencil by Norman Rockwell, it's an "AP" (artist's proof). And it hangs proudly in the kitchen of my home. This episode of The History Guy should be framed and mounted next to it. Thank you for your excellent and always enlightening and engaging episodes - I save 'The History Guy' for when I need to have my thoughts readjusted to what it means to remember.
I have always liked Norman Rockwell's work, it's easily recognized and brings a feeling of joy because in my mind his drawings depict a reflection of how life should be and hopefully was for many... Great choice History guy....Thanks
I agree with you @Bass Player. Certainly, there are many hard things in life that are anything but uplifting, such as the comment above. Sometimes you fight the ugly with depictions of joyous beauty. What better weapon to fight depression than to offer praise? Sometimes we fight the ugliness in life, those things that bring us down, by painting uplifting scenes of comfort and edification.
@@nedludd7622 and art for you should always be scenarios of drudgery and suffering? Now who’s got the limited, and distasteful, view of art? Most art has very little to do with actual realism or reality, if one chooses to be overly critical and judgemental in one’s assessment.
@@nedludd7622 It's that attitude that turns people away from "art". It's elitist, snobbish, negative, people that are so very pretentious. Some talentless hack that appeals to the in-crowd splatters some paint or elephant dung on a canvas is praised for being avant-garde, while someone with real talent, painting beautiful art that tells stories and makes people feel good is put down! But that just reflects on the nasty little people that seem to hate good and beauty and revel in degeneracy!
@@dr.froghopper6711 You don't read very well. I expressed no opinion of value of different forms of art. But you seem to know all about my tastes. I did not even offer an opinion on Rockwell. You seem to be another who has a restrictive view about what art is.
His illustrations were like emotional snapshots: you knew what had happened just before and knew (or could imagine) what would happen next, based on your own experiences or observations.
If I were to ever spend a ton of money on a piece of artwork…it would be something by Norman Rockwell. There is some kind of pure sincerity and honesty in his art that I find very relatable. They are both amusingly simple and surprisingly complex…all at the same time. Such is life!
I spent a brief 3 quarters at the Art Insitute of Seattle. I did a presentation on Rockwell for "who is your favorite artist". My fellow students railed against me saying Rockwell wasn't an artist and why should they care about him. I reminded them, and the instructor, that they were attending a COMMERCIAL art institute. Should they walk into an office hoping for employment in their field and the interviewer has numerous Rockwell's pictures in the office they better know Rockwell.
Somewhere around 1935 to 1936 my great aunt noticed a man watching her daughter playing at a train station in New Mexico. The man approached my great aunt, introduced himself as Norman Rockwell, and asked if he could sketch her daughter. Of course, my great aunt allowed him to sketch her, and her daughter (my second cousin?) appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post about ten months later. I was named after this girl, who tragically passed away a few years after her encounter with Norman Rockwell. My grandmother saved a copy of the magazine for over 50 years. One day when she was telling me the story of how Andi ended up on the cover of the Post, she went to retrieve it for me and was unable to find it, ever. We went through everything but sadly never found it. So much time had passed that no one left alive could remember the exact month or year it was issued. Just knowing that Norman Rockwell saw something in this sweet little girl to take a moment to sketch her makes it special to me...and whenever I think about it I look him up on the internet to look at some of his amazing work and hope one day to recognize my second cousin on one of the covers.
My father, who was quite the artist in his own right, considered Norman Rockwell the best illustrate the had ever witnessed. In his later years, he lived in an apartment within walking distance from a restaurant based “Rockwell’s”, which had reproductions of Norman’s work as murals on the walls. No longer permitted to drive, he would take his daily walk to Rockwell’s for coffee and chats with his friends and the establishment’s owners. Sadly, this eatery in Ottawa, Ontario, was, along with the murals, torn down about 15 years ago.
Reminds me of a series of masterful Roman tile mosaics that were lost when the government insisted on installing a politically popular dam. I vaguely recall that the ill conceived dam lasted around a decade before deemed unfeasible, and abandoned.
I've never looked at a painting and felt a yearning desire for a better world, except when I look at a Norman Rockwell illustration. Some things are worth believing in.
Bravo! As a boy in the 1960# who used Scouting to temporarily escape urban poverty, Norman Rockwell illustrated the best part of my childhood in the pages of my Handbook and the Boys Life covers. His later work that highlighted the civil rights movement opened lots of eyes but he paid a price for it professionally. An outstanding American. A visit to his museum is on my bucket list..
I first came into contact with Norman Rockwell's work when I became a cub scout and started receiving my "Boys Life" each month. I read my first science fiction story in Boys Life, as well. Then I later leaned that the Saturday Evening Post was made in my Dad's home town of Johnsonburg Pennsylvania. We visited Johnsonburg several times and I remember the sulfuric stench that permeated the town. The magazine was made using pulp paper, unlike magazines like Life which used glossy rag paper, which is why so few of the old magazines still exist. Art really has no set rules, and what ever pleases the eye can be considered art and Rockwell's work continues to please the eye even today.
Great Episode. At 66 years old, I recall all his pictures. Seeing them throughout my childhood on all the various magazines. I could always recognize his work. Thanks for telling me about the man himself. Loved his Art and the moods he could show us in family values.
My grandparents had several Rockwell prints in their home. I remember just staring at them, transfixed, when I was a kid and feeling the story of those illustrations. Any time I see a Rockwell brings back so many wonderful memories.
I once heard a historian describe Norman Rockwell’s art as; “ He had painted Americans not as they are, but as they wished they were.” This was a great documentary!
I hate that quote. Rockwell did not lie about the world. He depicted beautiful things and beautiful moments that were unquestionably real and resonated with almost everyone who lived back then. The false picture of America is the one his detractors wanted him to paint.
I grew up "living down the street" from his studio in Stockbridge. Several of my adult neighbors were used as child models for his paintings. As a kid growing up in the '70s, I often had the opportunity to sit on the diner stool portrayed in "The Runaway". The scene is from Joe's Diner in Lee Massachusetts
That was a refreshing view into the life of an artist who chose to look for the forgotten moments of life. I needed something positive today. Thank you.
Thank you for your historical sketch of a great American. I first noticed Norman Rockwell’s work as a young Boy Scout in the 1960s and have loved it ever since. Well done.
When I saw Norman Rockwell's name mention, I had to watch. I've always enjoyed and appreciated his illustrations on calendars and photos throughout my life. And in my opinion Norman Rockwell was a great artist, not just an illustrator. And every one of his illustrations and photos depicted family life, wholesome and enjoyable. And the emotions we're excellent. I was drawn into every story of each and every illustration oh, and what it was telling. And they were always humorous, and easy-to-understand. My parents were the first ones to enlighten me to Norman Rockwell oh, and I share about him as much as I can with my kids and grandkids. And I always love the bow tie you wear cuz it reminded me of Mister Rockwell and his photos. Another great segment again, thank you sir
As a character artist, I count Rockwell as one of my favourite artists. His blend of realistic form and caricature are, in my opinion, unmatched. A copy of his "The Young Lady With the Shiner" sits on my desktop, for when I need inspiration. Clearly, I'm not alone. While galleries might still favour angst and abstract, one can see Rockwell's footprints through the industries of comic books, graphic novels and game illustrations. There's a reason that, in the movie "The Iron Giant," the little town where the story takes place is called "Rockwell."
The paintings of Norman Rockwell, obviously have more than quadrupled your value in art galleries when they are sold. His paintings of americana as covers especially for Saturday evening post reflect a different time. I never realized he was divorced four times, and was accused of being a distant father figure. The museum containing many of the Rockwell phantoms is phenomenal. This was a wonderful story.
I don't have an artistic bone in my body. But I took two semesters of world art-history in college and was surprised to have thoroughly enjoyed it. My hypothesis as to why the art world turned its nose up at realist artists like Rockwell was because artists were quickly being displaced by photographers. I believe that those 1900-1930's artists believed that painted realism was going to be no match for realistic photographs, so the jealous, human reaction to this new technology was to create what photographers could not: abstraction. Abstract art exploded in popularity (among artists) as a "foil" to the increasingly easy to produce photograph. This rush to abstraction allowed artists and their egos some refuge from the inevitable future.
Where does it say that art is supposed to make the viewer feel sad or upset over the injustices of the world? Who decided that a painting of a human being shouldn't be recognized as such? Rockwell left his audience feeling good about their past and put a skip into their step. You cannot help the smile on your lips and a warmth in your breast. How can anyone say that is not art? There is more than enough anger and angst in the word. A little bit of joy and humor is absolutely needed to lift the human spirit from the tragedy we are subjected to daily. Thank you for concentrated on the good of Rockwell's contribution to the human spirit.
An Art History professor I had in college once informed our class, when one of my fellow students listed Norman Rockwell as one of the great artists of the 20th century, that Rockwell wasn't an artist, but a mere illustrator of modest talent. (This same professor held his own brother up for ridicule, by mocking him for once proudly displaying a "paint-by-number" painting he had completed at a family gathering, as if it were a great artistic achievement.) In retrospect, there are times that I wished I had the courage as an eighteen year old freshman to risk a failing grade to object to the pretensions and subtle cruelties of this instructor of mostly bored students who, were the class not a prerequisite, would likely never have encountered him, by asking him just how much of his artistic output was displayed in museums or would be remembered after his passing?
Just stumbled upon this. Have always loved Norman Rockwell and quite how he could be ridiculed for anything artistic leaves me incredulous. The expressions on the faces he painted! You know exactly what they are thinking and you feel you know so well the situation about which he is painting. Only own a small book about Norman Rockwell but it gave me a good insight into his work thankfully. To know of Norman Rockwell can only be a good thing. Best wishes from England.
You should do a video on the death of the magazine. Back in Norman Rockwell's day, being an illustrator of a major magazine was indeed a big deal, but today, no one would even notice because no one buys magazines anymore.
CS Lewis - apologist Norman Rockwell - illustrator Mike Rowe - small business advocate Lance Geiger - The History Guy Thank you! Sometime, please tell the story of your metamorphosis into THG. I suspect it would be a good one. 👍🏻
Anyone who thinks rockwell "lacks angst/realism" should look at his civil rights works. "The Problem We All Live With" is one of THE BEST civil rights paintings for a reason!
I was fortunate enough to see his paintings at the Brooklyn Museum years ago. If your viewers have any opportunity to see the actual paintings, I sincerely urge your viewers to see any of them. The detail and care are amazing. Thank you for another great episode.
There was a period in Norman Rockwell's life that is always overlooked by those who provide biographical stories. I discovered this quite by accident when I was a student at Embry-Riddle University in Daytona Beach, Florida. I happened to visit the public library there to find some kind of fantasy fiction to check out for a weekend reading session. Robert Heinlein and Isaac Asimov were some of my favorites back then. While I was there I noticed some artwork on the wall and closer inspection revealed that it was ORIGINAL Norman Rockwell! This would be about a year after his death, so I made sure to mention to the Librarian that I feared someone would steal it as its value must have increased dramatically with his passing. That discussion led to the story about how the library came to possess the drawings in the first place. For a short period apparently, Norman Rockwell vacationed in Daytona Beach on a regular basis. That artwork was specifically made for the library and gifted to it. I am 63 years old now and Rockwell has been my favorite artist since I was in High School. I started Scouting by discovering that I was too young to join when a close friend in second grade wore his uniform to school. I became a Cub Scout on my birthday because I badgered my parents about it. Once an Eagle, ALWAYS an Eagle. I also served as an Asst Scoutmaster and on the District Committee. Norman Rockwell and I were cut from the same cloth in that regard.
Sunrises, sunsets, the sounds of a bird singing, and so much more, are routine and assumed almost, but unimportant. Your videos, his art share insight of a life, a world, that is also an example of such. I started thinking of this as I worked for older people as a young boy, listening to them talk. I started writing about thoughts, life, experiences, and future years later. I can't compare or belittle the attitude on that today. I can, however state that if there are no Sunrises, sunsets , birds singing and more - when noticed, it's too late. Great video - Thanks
Norman and NC Wyatt are my favorite illustrators! Perhaps NC Wyatt would be a great subject! His family used to dress up like characters in his illustrations for books!
Well THG, I grew up with Mr. Rockwell illustrating life. He was old when I was young but I lived a great many of his paintings, in some form or another. In a time of rebellious modernism, Norman’s realism proved to me what REAL art was. I still enjoy his depictions of the real world. During difficult times in our country, he shared simple joy.
I am an artist... Norman Rockwell is my art hero... As a young boy, I became aware of his artwork. I studied his work and decided to teach myself how to create realism in what I wanted to create, art wise. Creating a painting or drawing is much like writing a book... you have an author and a story and a title. The big difference is, as an artist, you have to tell the entire story on one page. The picture must be done in such a way, that the viewer, never has to ask the artist what the story is about. As far as making money from creating art goes.... I learned a long time ago, that you never do art just to make money. You do it because you love it. If you love it, you will do it well and the art will sell itself. RIP Norman
Norman Rockwell was so many things (through his art) to so many people. As I endured a tumultuous childhood, I would escape to the school library and look over the magazines, many of which had his art work. In 7th grade, I took art in school and I'm so thankful that the teacher, Ms Zebre, saw that I wasn't so much a talented artist but a kiddo who needed art. I tell my grandchildren now, that the world is nothing without art, from the hieroglyphs in Egypt, to fabric art of various forms, etc. Even the horrific Hitler, the enemy of humanity, understood the significance of art. Ref: the stolen art work during WWII.
Quick note: as confirmed by the automated closed captions (notably, not a reliable source) you titled one of his illustrations “Saving Grace”. It is, in fact, “Saying Grace” of a young lad and his grandmother praying over their meal while others look on in curiosity or approval. It’s my all time favorite. I picture myself as either the boy or the man standing in the left corner.
Incredible detailed artwork of family and personal experiences of a past era, is a treat for today's wild and angry culture. Kitch it may be, but wholesome and enjoyable.
l was always amazed by this type of art from the past Now l know why it s capture of just a life moments in such realism and expression from people s faces like you were watching it yourself ,now it like an old memory
I have a superb large format book with every Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post frontispiece in it. If I am ever feeling down, a quick peruse of that book will cheer me up again. Thank you for the potted biography of the artist.
No matter how good any artist is there will always be critics. My dad used to say, "Those who can - do. Those who can't - teach. Those who don't even try become critics"
I do not understand the concept that Rockwell isn’t an “artist”. He has always elicited emotion in this work and I stop and really look when I see a Rockwell. I have been to many museums and arts shows but my greatest joyful surprise was when I walked into the headquarters of the Boy Scouts and there was a room that was a Normal Rockwell exhibit with the real illustrations. Spent hours joyfully absorbing the images. Thank you Mr. Rockwell.
I grew up with Rockwell pictures in my house. I thought they were pictures of reactions to something you could easily imagine. There was one of a little girl with a black eye and a big grin sitting in front of the principal’s office. What ever happened she felt it was worth it. I believed that was my Mom at that age.
I always loved Norman Rockwell's work, and each picture in your montage brought a fresh stream of joyful memory and tears; Many decades past, my blue-collar father - a weldor most of my childhood - enrolled in the Famous Artists series of instruction in drawing, paint, lettering, and the like. As I recall, instruction my Norman himself was one of the attractions of the courses. I recall Dad's painting or sketches submitted for critique being returned with a sheet of tracing paper over them, with changes and suggestions. They would usually be initialed modestly, "N.R." The courses couldn't have cost much or my father couldn't have afforded them, but What a Find to be tutored by such a fellow! Dad's portraiture later was sought by family, friends and friends of friends for many years.
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l grew in the 1940's & 1950's and Norman Rockwell pictures and seeing in News Paper's....Thanks to THG🎀
hello first time commenter I would love to see the history on herbrand tools from both us and Canada 🇨🇦 if possible
thank you very much
I have a complete magazine by rockwell dated june 1917 title american boy. I cannot find much info on this item or its value , could you if possible enlighten me?
My father was an illustrator. Art is very subjective. It either touches you or it doesn’t. Norman Rockwell’s art touches me.
I couldn't agree more, that art either touches you or it doesn't. Art in all its forms. I love Rockwell's work because it "takes me somewhere that I want to go"
music, on the other hand, might be the only art form that is forced upon us, in that it might "touch you" whether you want it to or not. For example, Rap takes me somewhere I do not want to go. And I'm never very happy when I get there.
He showed the world an America that every one wanted to emulate rose coloured as it was is irrelevant
There are artists like myself, then above us are "illustrators"
@@keatomic I’m in awe of artists like yourself. I wish I had the talent. After my father passed away my stepmother threw away his portfolio. What a waste.
@@tomricketts7821 it wasn’t 100 percent rose colored. In his later years some of his paintings might be considered social commentary on the issues of the day, and maybe you could say issues that are still current
Thank you. I fell in love with Norman Rockwell's work as a little girl and I am still a huge fan. To me, his ability to share so much emotion and story that we resonate with and so beautifully done is what makes him one of the best. Thank you for pointing the history spotlight on him in such a wonderful way.
It always felt like you knew the people in a Norman Rockwell painting, and that, to me, is the work of an artist.
His art was wholesome. Most people publicly despise wholesomeness, but secretly they love it.
Maybe back in Rockwells time, but wholesomeness appears to be frowned upon any longer.
Absolute home run on your depiction of Rockwell! Those who complained that his themes didn't cover the woes of life missed the fact that he was the cure. When we were down, and saw one of his pictorial epics, we smiled, and found healing hope. Instead of fitting into the symphony of misery, he was the guide that shined the light on the path out of disparity, and the solution to our ills was found in the ubiquitous simple joys.
I'm British & I love Norman Rockwell's work. What I find poignant is that he depicted an America trying to be the best it could be, & that hopeful, striving-to-be -better America is the one which so many of us beyond your borders once revered.😢
America is still that. There’s bad news about america but that’s because no one seems to care that much about news from anywhere else and they and the news seem to look mostly for the bad. There’s up and down periods in any country and a lot of places have that now. Most Americans work extremely hard, American companies dominate nearly every industry from space travel to renewable energy to entertainment. Most powerful military in the world and most of our enemies have as much or more problems. Most places in general have has many or more problems actually so just standard there. And there are still great American inventors and entertainers and many Americans revere Americana stuff and it is based on actual places and people and cultural things. A lot of people seem to think it’s like some exaggerated thing but you can find towns and places like this today and ask people from those times periods. No period was perfect but it is based on actual Americans culture and history.
@@ComeAlongKay I'm sure lots is still great. I took my family on holiday to Chicago, Wisconsin & Michigan's U.P. in 2008 & the welcome everywhere was amazing. Whereas I had drinks with my neighbours earlier this week - a couple who moved here recently from Georgia. They said they value the fact that if they pull into the wrong driveway or ring the wrong doorbell, there's zero chance of being shot, because we make it extremely difficult for anyone to own a gun here. They doubt they'll ever go back.
@Mark DDW Sounds like your neighbors and possibly even you have some irrational fears and even misconceptions about crime and gun crime in America. Every country has violent crime and violence in general has been part of mankind since the beginning of time. Whether it be by gun, fist, stone, spear, knife, arrow, club, explosives, vehicle, or any other means; man has unfortunately committed violence against others. The big difference now is we have a moral and spiritual decay. Couple that with a dishonest media and corrupt power hungry politicians and here we are, scared of other people and blaming objects for the morally corrupt decisions of man.
@@ComeAlongKay it’s not possible to not see the extreme division in Americas society.
I once looked up to this country in awe, up to the late 2000s.
Then the social division happened and people allowed it to happen.
Society spread Into certain „communities“ instead of one common society of free individuals.
15 years ago neighborhood barbecues with republicans and democrats where normal.
Black, white, hispanic and Asians where invited as was the gay couple.
That would be absolutely impossible these days because all those „communities“ hate and fight each other these days.
United we stand, divided we fall.
That what the USA once was for me.
Nowadays it’s clearly the latter and only Americana still keeps my fond memories of a child in Germany, dreaming about American freedom.
It really saddens me that Americans fell for the propaganda from all sites without recognizing it and are on the brink of destroying „the greatest country on this planet“…
😢😭🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸
It always cracks me up how painters talk about how art is supposed to be expressive but if you express yourself in the wrong way, it's ridiculed as "insufficient."
I'm not a big Rockwell fan but I appreciate him following his own vision and not being cowed by the "art" scene
My parents, who both received the Saturday Evening Post at home when these covers were fresh, had a coffee table book filled with reprints of his paintings. I've always enjoyed his work. Still do to this day.
Norman Rockwell was to painting as Frank Capra was to film. Love them both.
He has been and remains one of my favorite artists. He may be considered kitch or schmaltzy but there is something endearing about art the celebrates the hope and optimism of simple everyday Americans. Americana at its best. I hope we can get some of that back during these awful turbulent times.
I'm sometimes lucky in a good way - I found in an antiques gallery a large full-color print of Rockwell's 'The Runaway', which depicts a young lad seated on a stool at the counter of a diner - the boy has a waltzing matilda bag on a stick, is engaged in a conversation with a police officer seated next to him while the diner cook leans in to listen to their conversation. The officer was in fact a Massachusetts policeman who modeled for Rockwell in this illustration. The print is signed in pencil by Norman Rockwell, it's an "AP" (artist's proof). And it hangs proudly in the kitchen of my home. This episode of The History Guy should be framed and mounted next to it. Thank you for your excellent and always enlightening and engaging episodes - I save 'The History Guy' for when I need to have my thoughts readjusted to what it means to remember.
As an Australian I was taken back by the use of the phrase waltzing Matilda as even many Australians could not define it. Once a jolly swag-man LOL
I always called it a bindle. Cool.
Rockwell is deserving of a spot on this channel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Norman Rockwell painted Americana and became Americana himself.
So much of History is war and struggle.
Thanks for this reminder of gentler times.
Norman Rockwell and Fred Rodgers, what a team!
I urge any Rockwell, or just art aficionados, to visit the Norman Rockwell Museum. A great place.
I have a huge Norman Rockwell book that I look through every Thanksgiving. It’s a window into our past.
I have always liked Norman Rockwell's work, it's easily recognized and brings a feeling of joy because in my mind his drawings depict a reflection of how life should be and hopefully was for many... Great choice History guy....Thanks
Oh, so art for you should be about a reflection of how life should be. That is a very limited perception of art.
I agree with you @Bass Player. Certainly, there are many hard things in life that are anything but uplifting, such as the comment above. Sometimes you fight the ugly with depictions of joyous beauty. What better weapon to fight depression than to offer praise? Sometimes we fight the ugliness in life, those things that bring us down, by painting uplifting scenes of comfort and edification.
@@nedludd7622 and art for you should always be scenarios of drudgery and suffering? Now who’s got the limited, and distasteful, view of art? Most art has very little to do with actual realism or reality, if one chooses to be overly critical and judgemental in one’s assessment.
@@nedludd7622 It's that attitude that turns people away from "art". It's elitist, snobbish, negative, people that are so very pretentious. Some talentless hack that appeals to the in-crowd splatters some paint or elephant dung on a canvas is praised for being avant-garde, while someone with real talent, painting beautiful art that tells stories and makes people feel good is put down! But that just reflects on the nasty little people that seem to hate good and beauty and revel in degeneracy!
@@dr.froghopper6711 You don't read very well. I expressed no opinion of value of different forms of art. But you seem to know all about my tastes. I did not even offer an opinion on Rockwell. You seem to be another who has a restrictive view about what art is.
His illustrations were like emotional snapshots: you knew what had happened just before and knew (or could imagine) what would happen next, based on your own experiences or observations.
His paintings reflected the typical human experience far more accurately than the kind of art his critics praised. That's why they hated him.
If I were to ever spend a ton of money on a piece of artwork…it would be something by Norman Rockwell. There is some kind of pure sincerity and honesty in his art that I find very relatable. They are both amusingly simple and surprisingly complex…all at the same time. Such is life!
I spent a brief 3 quarters at the Art Insitute of Seattle. I did a presentation on Rockwell for "who is your favorite artist". My fellow students railed against me saying Rockwell wasn't an artist and why should they care about him. I reminded them, and the instructor, that they were attending a COMMERCIAL art institute. Should they walk into an office hoping for employment in their field and the interviewer has numerous Rockwell's pictures in the office they better know Rockwell.
Somewhere around 1935 to 1936 my great aunt noticed a man watching her daughter playing at a train station in New Mexico. The man approached my great aunt, introduced himself as Norman Rockwell, and asked if he could sketch her daughter. Of course, my great aunt allowed him to sketch her, and her daughter (my second cousin?) appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post about ten months later. I was named after this girl, who tragically passed away a few years after her encounter with Norman Rockwell. My grandmother saved a copy of the magazine for over 50 years. One day when she was telling me the story of how Andi ended up on the cover of the Post, she went to retrieve it for me and was unable to find it, ever. We went through everything but sadly never found it. So much time had passed that no one left alive could remember the exact month or year it was issued. Just knowing that Norman Rockwell saw something in this sweet little girl to take a moment to sketch her makes it special to me...and whenever I think about it I look him up on the internet to look at some of his amazing work and hope one day to recognize my second cousin on one of the covers.
I have Rockwell's last painting done in fall of 1977 its an amazing piece!!
We could use more of Norman Rockwell's view of America. His works are like breadcrumbs left behind to show us the way back home.
My father, who was quite the artist in his own right, considered Norman Rockwell the best illustrate the had ever witnessed. In his later years, he lived in an apartment within walking distance from a restaurant based “Rockwell’s”, which had reproductions of Norman’s work as murals on the walls. No longer permitted to drive, he would take his daily walk to Rockwell’s for coffee and chats with his friends and the establishment’s owners. Sadly, this eatery in Ottawa, Ontario, was, along with the murals, torn down about 15 years ago.
Oh yeah, the Marxists can't have that. Too white.
Reminds me of a series of masterful Roman tile mosaics that were lost when the government insisted on installing a politically popular dam. I vaguely recall that the ill conceived dam lasted around a decade before deemed unfeasible, and abandoned.
Thank you, I really miss the American of Norman Rockwell.
I've never looked at a painting and felt a yearning desire for a better world, except when I look at a Norman Rockwell illustration. Some things are worth believing in.
Outstanding! The thumbnail biography that most of us have been given of Mr. Rockwell has been fleshed out nicely. Thank you, History Guy!
Bravo! As a boy in the 1960# who used Scouting to temporarily escape urban poverty, Norman Rockwell illustrated the best part of my childhood in the pages of my Handbook and the Boys Life covers. His later work that highlighted the civil rights movement opened lots of eyes but he paid a price for it professionally. An outstanding American. A visit to his museum is on my bucket list..
Wonderful episode, The History Guy, it truly is impossible to think about Americana without Rockwells simple truths coming out in his paintings.
THG: A big 'Thank You' for this episode about a truly American treasure, Norman Rockwell.
I first came into contact with Norman Rockwell's work when I became a cub scout and started receiving my "Boys Life" each month. I read my first science fiction story in Boys Life, as well. Then I later leaned that the Saturday Evening Post was made in my Dad's home town of Johnsonburg Pennsylvania. We visited Johnsonburg several times and I remember the sulfuric stench that permeated the town. The magazine was made using pulp paper, unlike magazines like Life which used glossy rag paper, which is why so few of the old magazines still exist. Art really has no set rules, and what ever pleases the eye can be considered art and Rockwell's work continues to please the eye even today.
Great Episode. At 66 years old, I recall all his pictures. Seeing them throughout my childhood on all the various magazines. I could always recognize his work. Thanks for telling me about the man himself. Loved his Art and the moods he could show us in family values.
My grandparents had several Rockwell prints in their home. I remember just staring at them, transfixed, when I was a kid and feeling the story of those illustrations. Any time I see a Rockwell brings back so many wonderful memories.
I once heard a historian describe Norman Rockwell’s art as; “ He had painted Americans not as they are, but as they wished they were.” This was a great documentary!
I hate that quote. Rockwell did not lie about the world. He depicted beautiful things and beautiful moments that were unquestionably real and resonated with almost everyone who lived back then.
The false picture of America is the one his detractors wanted him to paint.
I grew up "living down the street" from his studio in Stockbridge. Several of my adult neighbors were used as child models for his paintings. As a kid growing up in the '70s, I often had the opportunity to sit on the diner stool portrayed in "The Runaway". The scene is from Joe's Diner in Lee Massachusetts
So much of day to day life in his works
Rockwell gave us the America he knew and the one we wished for or, maybe, had experienced.
That was a refreshing view into the life of an artist who chose to look for the forgotten moments of life. I needed something positive today. Thank you.
Thank you for your historical sketch of a great American. I first noticed Norman Rockwell’s work as a young Boy Scout in the 1960s and have loved it ever since. Well done.
Y’all should check out Norman Rockwell’s grandson. Mark Rockwell, he has some VERY amazing work!!
When I saw Norman Rockwell's name mention, I had to watch. I've always enjoyed and appreciated his illustrations on calendars and photos throughout my life. And in my opinion Norman Rockwell was a great artist, not just an illustrator. And every one of his illustrations and photos depicted family life, wholesome and enjoyable. And the emotions we're excellent. I was drawn into every story of each and every illustration oh, and what it was telling. And they were always humorous, and easy-to-understand. My parents were the first ones to enlighten me to Norman Rockwell oh, and I share about him as much as I can with my kids and grandkids. And I always love the bow tie you wear cuz it reminded me of Mister Rockwell and his photos. Another great segment again, thank you sir
One of my favorite artists of all time! Thanks so much for remembering him, too!
Love Norman Rockwell’s rose colored glasses. Well done and respectfully crafted!!! ♥️. Thank you!
Mr. History Guy, I was already a fan, but acknowledging Mr. Rockwell's delightful genius put you up on top with me. True Americana. Thank you.
As a character artist, I count Rockwell as one of my favourite artists. His blend of realistic form and caricature are, in my opinion, unmatched. A copy of his "The Young Lady With the Shiner" sits on my desktop, for when I need inspiration.
Clearly, I'm not alone. While galleries might still favour angst and abstract, one can see Rockwell's footprints through the industries of comic books, graphic novels and game illustrations. There's a reason that, in the movie "The Iron Giant," the little town where the story takes place is called "Rockwell."
The paintings of Norman Rockwell, obviously have more than quadrupled your value in art galleries when they are sold. His paintings of americana as covers especially for Saturday evening post reflect a different time. I never realized he was divorced four times, and was accused of being a distant father figure. The museum containing many of the Rockwell phantoms is phenomenal. This was a wonderful story.
I don't have an artistic bone in my body. But I took two semesters of world art-history in college and was surprised to have thoroughly enjoyed it.
My hypothesis as to why the art world turned its nose up at realist artists like Rockwell was because artists were quickly being displaced by photographers. I believe that those 1900-1930's artists believed that painted realism was going to be no match for realistic photographs, so the jealous, human reaction to this new technology was to create what photographers could not: abstraction.
Abstract art exploded in popularity (among artists) as a "foil" to the increasingly easy to produce photograph. This rush to abstraction allowed artists and their egos some refuge from the inevitable future.
Where does it say that art is supposed to make the viewer feel sad or upset over the injustices of the world? Who decided that a painting of a human being shouldn't be recognized as such?
Rockwell left his audience feeling good about their past and put a skip into their step. You cannot help the smile on your lips and a warmth in your breast. How can anyone say that is not art? There is more than enough anger and angst in the word. A little bit of joy and humor is absolutely needed to lift the human spirit from the tragedy we are subjected to daily. Thank you for concentrated on the good of Rockwell's contribution to the human spirit.
Greatly prefer his work over any of the so call art by most modern artists, his work shows life as a simple happy affair.
An Art History professor I had in college once informed our class, when one of my fellow students listed Norman Rockwell as one of the great artists of the 20th century, that Rockwell wasn't an artist, but a mere illustrator of modest talent. (This same professor held his own brother up for ridicule, by mocking him for once proudly displaying a "paint-by-number" painting he had completed at a family gathering, as if it were a great artistic achievement.) In retrospect, there are times that I wished I had the courage as an eighteen year old freshman to risk a failing grade to object to the pretensions and subtle cruelties of this instructor of mostly bored students who, were the class not a prerequisite, would likely never have encountered him, by asking him just how much of his artistic output was displayed in museums or would be remembered after his passing?
Norman Rockwell is part of the light art needs.
To my mind, the greatest American artist.
Another great episode!
Just stumbled upon this. Have always loved Norman Rockwell and quite how he could be ridiculed for anything artistic leaves me incredulous. The expressions on the faces he painted! You know exactly what they are thinking and you feel you know so well the situation about which he is painting. Only own a small book about Norman Rockwell but it gave me a good insight into his work thankfully. To know of Norman Rockwell can only be a good thing. Best wishes from England.
As a former scout. His involvement with Scouting gave a lesson in good values.
Rockwell had more depth than a lot of people realize.
You should do a video on the death of the magazine. Back in Norman Rockwell's day, being an illustrator of a major magazine was indeed a big deal, but today, no one would even notice because no one buys magazines anymore.
He brought in pictures of the reality of what we secretly want our life moments to be. Simple numerous and full of love and joy
CS Lewis - apologist
Norman Rockwell - illustrator
Mike Rowe - small business advocate
Lance Geiger - The History Guy
Thank you! Sometime, please tell the story of your metamorphosis into THG. I suspect it would be a good one. 👍🏻
Anyone who thinks rockwell "lacks angst/realism" should look at his civil rights works. "The Problem We All Live With" is one of THE BEST civil rights paintings for a reason!
I have a large book of Norman Rockwell's illustrations on my coffee table. Almost everyone that visits picks it up to have a look.
I really enjoyed your talk on Norman Rockwell. Just wish I had saved the Saturday Evening Post.
I LOVE Norman Rockwell!!! Thank you so much for this video!!!
Thank you for this wonderful segment on Norman Rockwell.
I appreciate that you focused on the light and not the shadows of Norman Rockwell. He is a true American treasure.
I was fortunate enough to see his paintings at the Brooklyn Museum years ago. If your viewers have any opportunity to see the actual paintings, I sincerely urge your viewers to see any of them. The detail and care are amazing. Thank you for another great episode.
I consider him such a treasure. He's probably the artist whose work I can recognize (rube that I am). :D
I've loved Norman Rockwell's work since the early 1970s, and mom and her mother were fans also.
There was a period in Norman Rockwell's life that is always overlooked by those who provide biographical stories. I discovered this quite by accident when I was a student at Embry-Riddle University in Daytona Beach, Florida. I happened to visit the public library there to find some kind of fantasy fiction to check out for a weekend reading session. Robert Heinlein and Isaac Asimov were some of my favorites back then. While I was there I noticed some artwork on the wall and closer inspection revealed that it was ORIGINAL Norman Rockwell! This would be about a year after his death, so I made sure to mention to the Librarian that I feared someone would steal it as its value must have increased dramatically with his passing. That discussion led to the story about how the library came to possess the drawings in the first place. For a short period apparently, Norman Rockwell vacationed in Daytona Beach on a regular basis. That artwork was specifically made for the library and gifted to it. I am 63 years old now and Rockwell has been my favorite artist since I was in High School. I started Scouting by discovering that I was too young to join when a close friend in second grade wore his uniform to school. I became a Cub Scout on my birthday because I badgered my parents about it. Once an Eagle, ALWAYS an Eagle. I also served as an Asst Scoutmaster and on the District Committee. Norman Rockwell and I were cut from the same cloth in that regard.
All I can say is that Norman Rockwell's art takes me back to a time I never knew. And it was simple and sweet.
Thank you for the great tribute to Norman Rockwell.
Sunrises, sunsets, the sounds of a bird singing, and so much more, are routine and assumed almost, but unimportant. Your videos, his art share insight of a life, a world, that is also an example of such. I started thinking of this as I worked for older people as a young boy, listening to them talk. I started writing about thoughts, life, experiences, and future years later. I can't compare or belittle the attitude on that today. I can, however state that if there are no Sunrises, sunsets , birds singing and more - when noticed, it's too late. Great video - Thanks
Norman and NC Wyatt are my favorite illustrators! Perhaps NC Wyatt would be a great subject! His family used to dress up like characters in his illustrations for books!
Well THG, I grew up with Mr. Rockwell illustrating life. He was old when I was young but I lived a great many of his paintings, in some form or another. In a time of rebellious modernism, Norman’s realism proved to me what REAL art was. I still enjoy his depictions of the real world. During difficult times in our country, he shared simple joy.
I must say sir, your presentations of history are as refreshing and genuine as Rockwell's art. Bravo to your success!
I am an artist... Norman Rockwell is my art hero... As a young boy, I became aware of his artwork. I studied his work and decided to teach myself how to create realism in what I wanted to create, art wise.
Creating a painting or drawing is much like writing a book... you have an author and a story and a title. The big difference is, as an artist, you have to tell the entire story on one page.
The picture must be done in such a way, that the viewer, never has to ask the artist what the story is about.
As far as making money from creating art goes.... I learned a long time ago, that you never do art just to make money. You do it because you love it. If you love it, you will do it well and the art will sell itself.
RIP Norman
You closed this episode perfectly!!
I've always loved Norman Rockwell's work. Cool to hear about his life.
Norman Rockwell was so many things (through his art) to so many people. As I endured a tumultuous childhood, I would escape to the school library and look over the magazines, many of which had his art work. In 7th grade, I took art in school and I'm so thankful that the teacher, Ms Zebre, saw that I wasn't so much a talented artist but a kiddo who needed art. I tell my grandchildren now, that the world is nothing without art, from the hieroglyphs in Egypt, to fabric art of various forms, etc. Even the horrific Hitler, the enemy of humanity, understood the significance of art. Ref: the stolen art work during WWII.
Quick note: as confirmed by the automated closed captions (notably, not a reliable source) you titled one of his illustrations “Saving Grace”. It is, in fact, “Saying Grace” of a young lad and his grandmother praying over their meal while others look on in curiosity or approval. It’s my all time favorite. I picture myself as either the boy or the man standing in the left corner.
To me Norman Rockwell defined what Americans were and aspired to for generations.
He was magnificent. His art is ageless.🙂🙂
Incredible detailed artwork of family and personal experiences of a past era, is a treat for today's wild and angry culture. Kitch it may be, but wholesome and enjoyable.
What a breath of fresh air!
I did enjoy this episode, it was great!
Loved the magical costume change.
Bravo History Guy!!!! His paintings captured us, silly as we are, as good as we could be.
l was always amazed by this type of art from the past Now l know why it s capture of just a life moments in such realism and expression from people s faces like you were watching it yourself ,now it like an old memory
No apologies from me. Rockwell along with Botticelli, Van Gogh, Carravagio, Pizarro, and Degas are my favorites ✋🏻
I have a superb large format book with every Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post frontispiece in it. If I am ever feeling down, a quick peruse of that book will cheer me up again. Thank you for the potted biography of the artist.
Yes, I have (I assume) the same volume. As you say, a quick peruse maybe once a year, and I feel the better for it
No matter how good any artist is there will always be critics. My dad used to say, "Those who can - do. Those who can't - teach. Those who don't even try become critics"
Amen!
Thank you. seeing Mr. Rockwell's art has a warming, calming, feel good effect.
❤ Loved this one.
I do not understand the concept that Rockwell isn’t an “artist”. He has always elicited emotion in this work and I stop and really look when I see a Rockwell. I have been to many museums and arts shows but my greatest joyful surprise was when I walked into the headquarters of the Boy Scouts and there was a room that was a Normal Rockwell exhibit with the real illustrations. Spent hours joyfully absorbing the images. Thank you Mr. Rockwell.
Another excellent episode THG&Crew!!!🙏👌🦉❣️
I grew up with Rockwell pictures in my house. I thought they were pictures of reactions to something you could easily imagine. There was one of a little girl with a black eye and a big grin sitting in front of the principal’s office. What ever happened she felt it was worth it. I believed that was my Mom at that age.
Oh my goodness do I love this channel.
Fascinating,.. I have been saying for a month now we need a new Norman Rockwell to do contemporary Americana
I always loved Norman Rockwell's work, and each picture in your montage brought a fresh stream of joyful memory and tears;
Many decades past, my blue-collar father - a weldor most of my childhood - enrolled in the Famous Artists series of instruction in drawing, paint, lettering, and the like. As I recall, instruction my Norman himself was one of the attractions of the courses. I recall Dad's painting or sketches submitted for critique being returned with a sheet of tracing paper over them, with changes and suggestions. They would usually be initialed modestly, "N.R." The courses couldn't have cost much or my father couldn't have afforded them, but What a Find to be tutored by such a fellow! Dad's portraiture later was sought by family, friends and friends of friends for many years.
That was very nice. Un hommage to Norman Rockwell that brightened my day.