"Study for "The Gift, Childs Surprise" Saturday Evening Post Cover- NOT FOR " Lot no. 2830
By Norman Rockwell (1894-1978)
1936 (Estimated)
35.00" x 28.00"
Charcoal on Paper Mounted on Board
Signed "Norman Rockwell" and Inscribed "To Atwood Levansaler/Best Wishes"
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NOT FOR SALE
This is a study for Rockwell's "The Gift, Childs Surprise", which appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post on January 25, 1936.
Literature:
Laurie Norton Moffatt, Norman Rockwell: A Definitive Catalogue, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, 1986, vol. II, no. C352a, p. 133
Explore related art collections: Saturday Evening Post Covers / Magazine Covers / Studies / Family / Dogs & Cats / Humor / 1930s / Children / $100,000 & Above
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
The pictures of Norman Perceval Rockwell (1894-1978) were recognized and enjoyed by almost everybody in America. The cover of The Saturday Evening Post was his showcase for over forty years, giving him an audience larger than that of any other artist in history. Over the years, he depicted there a unique collection of Americana, a series of vignettes of remarkable warmth and humor. In addition, he painted a great number of pictures for story illustrations, advertising campaigns, posters, calendars and books.
As his personal contribution during World War II, Rockwell painted the famous “Four Freedoms” posters, symbolizing for millions the war aims as described by President Franklin Roosevelt. One version of his “Freedom of Speech” painting is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Rockwell left high school to attend classes at the National Academy of Design, and later studied under Thomas Fogarty and George Bridgeman at the Art Students League in New York. His two greatest influences were the completely opposite titans Howard Pyle and J.C Leyendecker.
His early illustrations were done for St. Nicholas magazine and other juvenile publications. He sold his first cover painting to the Post in 1916, and ended up doing over 300 more. Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson sat for him for portraits, and he painted other world figures, including Nassar of Egypt and Nehru of India.
An important museum has been established in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where he maintained his studio. Each year, tens of thousands visit the largest collection of his original paintings extant.