Norman Rockwell American artist and illustrator Date of Birth: 03.02.1894 Country: USA

Biography of Norman Rockwell

Norman Perceval Rockwell was an American artist and illustrator known for his detailed depictions of American culture. His works gained particular popularity in his homeland. He was born on February 3, 1894, in New York City, to Jarvis Waring Rockwell and Anne Mary 'Nancy' Rockwell.

Rockwell began his artistic education at the Chase Art School and later attended the National Academy of Design. He continued his studies at the Art Students League in New York, where he was mentored by Thomas Fogarty, George Bridgman, and Frank Vincent DuMond. Some of his early works were published in magazines such as 'St. Nicholas Magazine' and 'Boys' Life'.

In 1912, at the age of 18, Rockwell achieved a breakthrough in his career when he created his first book illustration for Carl H. Claudy's 'Tell Me Why: Stories about Mother Nature'. He became a staff artist for 'Boys' Life' that same year and served as the magazine's art editor from 1913 to 1916.

When Rockwell turned 21, he moved with his family to New Rochelle, New York, where he established his own studio. He shared the space with the cartoonist Clyde Forsythe, who later helped Rockwell present his first successful cover illustration for 'Saturday Evening Post' in 1916. Rockwell worked for the magazine for over 47 years and considered it "the most accurate mirror of American life."

During World War I, Rockwell tried to join the U.S. Navy but was initially rejected due to his low weight. To meet the requirements, he consumed a large number of bananas, donuts, and liquids, allowing him to pass the weight check the next day. Although he served as a military artist, he did not directly participate in combat.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Rockwell's career flourished. He relocated to Arlington, Vermont, with his second wife, Mary, and their three children. The change of environment influenced his work, and he increasingly portrayed the peaceful aspects of life in small towns. In 1943, Rockwell presented his famous series of paintings called 'Four Freedoms'. Unfortunately, in the same year, a fire in his studio destroyed a significant number of his works.

Rockwell's illustrations were exhibited throughout the United States, and the proceeds, amounting to approximately 130 million dollars, were donated to the army. He created his last cover for 'Saturday Evening Post' in 1963. Over the following ten years, he worked for 'Look' magazine, focusing on topics such as civil rights, poverty, and space exploration.

In the early 1970s, Rockwell entrusted his works to the 'Old Corner House Stockbridge' society. He was married twice, first to Irene O'Connor in 1916, and later to Mary Barstow, a teacher he met in Alhambra, California. Rockwell passed away from emphysema on November 8, 1978, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. His funeral was attended by First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

In 2013, Rockwell's painting 'Saying Grace' was sold at a Sotheby's auction for 46 million dollars, setting a record for the highest price paid for an American realistic artwork.