Norman Rockwell was born on March 2, 1894, in New York City, NY. From a young age, he showed a talent for drawing and painting. At the age of 18, he was given the opportunity to illustrate Carl H. Claudy's work, "Tell Me Why: Stories about Mother Nature." This marked the beginning of his career as an illustrator.
Rockwell's skill and dedication to his craft led to him creating cover art for Boys' Life, the publication of the Boy Scouts. His first cover for Boys' Life, titled "Scouts at Ship's Wheel," was published in the September 1913 edition. This early success laid the foundation for Rockwell's future as a renowned illustrator.
Rockwell's big break came when he started working for The Saturday Evening Post, a magazine known for its covers depicting American life. Rockwell's illustrations of American family life became iconic, capturing the essence of everyday moments with warmth and humor.
Some of Rockwell's most famous works for The Saturday Evening Post include "Rosie the Riveter" and "The Problem We All Live With." These politically themed pieces reflected the social issues of the time and resonated with a wide audience.
In 1916, Rockwell married Irene O'Connor, who served as his inspiration for the painting "Mother Tucking Children into Bed," featured on The Literary Digest cover in 1921. The couple had a son named Jarvis Waring.
After 14 years of marriage, Rockwell and Irene divorced. He later married Mary Barstow, a schoolteacher, with whom he had three children: Thomas Rhodes, Peter Barstow, and another son named Jarvis Waring.
Rockwell's art continues to be celebrated for its timeless portrayal of American life. His paintings evoke a sense of nostalgia and sentimentality, capturing the essence of a bygone era. His work remains influential in the world of illustration and has left a lasting impact on the art world.
Rockwell passed away on November 8, 1978, leaving behind a legacy that endures to this day. He will always be remembered as a master of his craft, whose images have touched the hearts of many and continue to inspire generations to come.