Is Norman Rockwell's Art Equivalent to that of the Old Masters?

Norman Rockwell, a renowned American illustrator, captivated the hearts of millions with his endearing depictions of American life. Yet, should his art be considered on par with the masterpieces of Rembrandt or other distinguished painters?

Rockwell's work was designed to meet the technological and cultural needs of his time. He was a master of commercial illustration, known for creating covers for popular magazines and capturing the everyday essence of America. However, many question whether his graphic artistry should be held to the same standard as the fine art pieces by renowned artists like Rembrandt.

One of Rockwell's iconic illustrations, Rosie the Riveter, has often been compared to some of the most celebrated works in art history. Yet, this piece serves a different purpose compared to the profound masterpieces created by artists like Michaelangelo. Rosie the Riveter, which indirectly references Michaelangelo’s Isaiah, is a charming depiction that resonated with its contemporary audience but falls short of achieving the same level of timeless artistic significance.

Rockwell's Early Work and Commercial Illustration

Rockwell's early work was closely tied to commercial illustration. Many of his pieces, such as the Rosie the Riveter illustration, were designed with a specific magazine format in mind, including a designated spot for logos. While these efforts were highly skilled and often featured witty depictions, they were primarily functional, intended to sell magazines and engage readers. This presents a significant difference in the rationale and methods behind his work compared to the broader scope of Rembrandt's artistic endeavors.

Popularity and Perceptions of Rockwell's Art

Despite his immense popularity, Rockwell's art is often not viewed in the same light as the works of Rembrandt and other classical masters. His subjects were typically anecdotal, capturing the narratives of everyday American life. While Rockwell was invaluable in his time, his work is considered folk art rather than fine art, reflecting his focus on story-telling and commercial appeal rather than deep thematic or technical complexity.

For instance, a Lawrence Alma-Tadema painting, widely admired for its technical skill yet Victorian-era style, serves as a fitting comparison. Similar to Rockwell, Alma-Tadema was a technically skilled artist whose work was in great demand during his lifetime but is now seen as old-fashioned and uninteresting. This highlights the transitory nature of artistic value and the changing tastes in the art world.

Commercialism vs. Fine Art

One cannot overlook the commercial aspect of Rockwell's work. His paintings were designed to sell magazines and evoke a sense of nostalgia or familiarity. They often contained a sense of wit and humor that appealed to the public, but they were not created with the same intention to explore the human condition or artistic depth as the works of Rembrandt or Van Gogh. Rockwell's art, while immensely popular, was more about conveying a message rather than a profound artistic statement.

Rockwell in Contemporary Art Context

With evolving tastes in the art world, Rockwell’s works certainly have a place in specialized museums that focus on American art illustration and popular art. However, in the context of the Louvre or the Rijkmuseum, his work is unlikely to be considered on par with the masterpieces of the old masters. These institutions house the work of artists whose contributions have stood the test of time and addressed profound human experiences and inner emotional landscapes.

In conclusion, Norman Rockwell's talent and popularity as an illustrator are undeniable, but his work is not typically held in the same regard as the classical fine art by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and other masters. His focus on storytelling and commercial appeal sets his work apart, making it a valuable part of a broader collection rather than an equivalent of the timeless art of the past.