Norman Rockwell

Norman Rockwell is an American artist. He lived in Arlington, Vermont from 1939 to 1953. During this time, Rockwell created many well-known illustrations for the Saturday Evening Post. Rockwell’s work as an artist shows an ideal version of American life. Rockwell’s 1943 work The Four Freedoms focuses on human rights in a speech by President Roosevelt. The paintings helped raise war bond money during World War II. 

Later in his career, Rockwell also used his work to criticize injustice. Rockwell’s 1964 painting, The Problem We All Live With, shows 6-year-old Ruby Bridges on her way to school. Ruby Bridges was the first Black student at her school. Two National Guardsmen had to protect her from protesters. Rockwell’s time in Vermont inspired many of his well-known works. Explore the links below to learn more about how Rockwell’s art was used both for tourism, and to help with civil rights.