Norman Rockwell was born on this day in 1894 in New York. The famous artist began formal artistic training at just 14 years old and was even commissioned to paint Christmas cards before his 16th birthday. He'd then drop out of high school two years later to study at national institutions dedicated to creating the country's next generation of great artists. Around the same time, he became art director of the magazine Boys' Life.
He became a national figure in the 1930s with his interpretations of small-town life. His most famous work may be his 1943 "Four Freedoms" series, which covered his interpretations of the freedoms to speech and to worship, as well as the freedoms from want and from fear. The paintings toured the country, raising over $130 million to support the troops during World War II.
P.S.: NCPA actually has a statue of a pharmacist right out front of our office that's based on a Rockwell painting. You can learn about the statue here.
You can learn more about Rockwell in this biography at the Norman Rockwell Museum.
