Profile of the Day: Norman Rockwell

Today we remember American illustrator Norman Rockwell, who was born on February 3, 1894.

Image: Norman Rockwell / Library of Congress

Rockwell was born in New York City, New York to Jarvis Waring Rockwell and Anne “Nancy” Hill. From a young age, Rockwell wanted to be an artist and by the age of 14, he had enrolled in art school to pursue his passion. He found success early on when he landed his first major commission at the age of 18. Rockwell was hired to illustrate the book, Tell Me Why: Stories about Mother Nature by Carl H. Claudy. Shortly after, he was hired as a staff artist for Boys’ Life magazine, which was published by the Boy Scouts of America.

In 1916, Rockwell’s illustrations began gracing the covers for the Saturday Evening Post. For over 47 years, Rockwell published 323 covers for the magazine. Known for his illustrations of everyday American life, Rockwell’s creations were loved by the public. Perhaps one of his most famous images is Freedom from Want, also known as “The Thanksgiving Picture.” The image was a part his “For Freedoms” series, inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speech in which he described four basic principles for universal rights.

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