I am offering a loving salute to Norman Rockwell (Feb 3, 1894 – Nov 8, 1978) for the power he demonstrated in all his paintings but especially the later ones after he left the Saturday Evening Post. Thank you Mr. Rockwell for being a strong, quiet, and powerful Warrior For Peace who created art that will forever speak to the heart of issues to be addressed for global peace.
“Do unto others…” For most Americans in 1961, the familiar adage really meant, “Do unto others who look like you.” Norman Rockwell, in his painting Golden Rule challenged that hypocrisy and laid the truth of “the other” smack dab in the middle of America’s coffee tables. Golden Rule appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post on April 1, 1961.
Also in 1961 widower Norman Rockwell married a third time, to retired Milton Academy English teacher and ardent liberal Mary L. “Molly” Punderson. With her encouragement, in 1963 he ended his 47-year relationship with the Saturday Evening Post and spent the next decade painting for the magazine Look where his work depicted his interests in civil rights.
In January 1964 Rockwell painted The Problem We All Live With depicting six year old Ruby Bridges walking to school in New Orleans on the court-ordered first day of integrated schools (November 14, 1960) for a Look story.
A great departure from his previous sweet depictions of American life is the colour study of his finished painting called Southern Justice (Murder in Mississippi). It was for a June 1965 issue of Look and depicts the horrifying image of racism that resulted in the deaths of three Civil Rights workers as they worked to register African American voters.
These are events that Mr. Rockwell immortalized to help guarantee that we will never forget. As we close out Black History month for 2013 let us all do what we can to continue to work towards peace and equality, ensuring barriers are dropped and opportunities are equal for all. As MLK encouraged, judge not by the colour of skin but by the depth of a person’s character.
Reference sources: Chronogram.com and Wikipedia.com
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I had no idea Rockwell did this kind of work. Thanks for sharing. I have an even greater appreciation of him now.
I felt the same way once I learned of the work he did to express his passion for equality… an even greater appreciation. Thanks for commenting!
A wonderful artist. His paintings have spoken deeply in to my life. I also love his sense of fun and the way he depicted life in its more funnier moments. Lovely post thank you.
Hi there Don! That’s a terrific point, that he had an excellent sense of humour and a real talent for making us laugh at ourselves. Thanks so much for your kind comment. Warmest wishes, Gina
Rockwell really preached equal rights through his fine work. Like other ambassadors for peace, I’m happy to you made a post about him.
Thank you Uzoma for sharing your kind support.
I really enjoy celebrating the ‘Warriors For Peace’ from all arenas of life, and I’m so glad you enjoy my posts. Hugs, Gina
WONDERFUL ARTICLE! Very informative.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
I am so glad you enjoyed this post Francine
Your cheers of support really make my day! Blessings, Gina
Like Rumpydog, I was completely ignorant of Rockwell’s later work. The term “like a Rockwell painting” suddenly has a new meaning for me. Love the “Golden Rule” painting. It looks like the Coke commercial, but less commercial and more heart. I love coming to your blog, Gina. {{{Hugs]}} Kozo
Hello my friend! Yes I know what you mean about that expression. Now we realize he was so much more of a peace activist (or ‘warrior’ as I like to use) than most of us ever knew. That Golden Rule painting is AMAZING and I plan on printing a copy to add to my ‘peace wall’ in my home office. You and your comment-sharing-visits brighten my world incredibly! Thank you so very much for including this blog in your ’rounds’. I adore every one of my visits to your blog as well! Happy Heart-felt {Hugs} to You! Gina
Norman Rockwell crossed boundaries with his works. In catching all of Americana he served history so well. Great post and a wonderful way to usher out a very educational month (for me) thanks.
Thank you Lesley. Yes he certainly made a powerful impact, and it was my pleasure to celebrate him. Thanks again for your supportive comment
No pressure, but I nominated you for the HUG award. Details are here: http://jrosenberry1.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/hope-unites-globally/
Thankfully it isn’t as complicated as other awards.
You are such a kind heart, sharing your sunshine all around
Thank You! Your choice to include this blog in your list means so much to me! Big happy hugs, Gina 
You’re quite welcome!
And thank you for the hug.