The Runaway, 1958, is an example of Rockwell's photorealism. (Norman Rockwell Art Collection Trust)
Who can forget the vulnerable childhood experience of going to the doctor? I remember sitting nervously on that white butcher paper, feeling like a particularly choice deli cut, and staring at a painting of a little boy pulling his pants down for a shot -- a foreboding image of what might be in store. That image, a Norman Rockwell illustration, stuck with me for years. And that's the nature of Rockwell's legacy: his work is everywhere, and has become an indelible part of American culture. So, as someone who looks at photos all day, imagine my shock when I saw a photograph of the exact doctor's office scene in that painting.
Rockwell used photos, taken by a rotating cast of photographers, to make his illustrations --and all of his models were neighbors and friends, including that little boy! Rockwell neverkept it a secret, but for some reason this little fact has been neglected in recent decades.
Although he may not have clicked the shutter, Rockwell directed every facet of every composition.
-- By Claire O'Neill
nov. 29th/ NPR.org/ 8:50 am
Weekend Edition Sunday story by NPR's Jacki Lyden
