Profile of the Day: Norman Rockwell

Posted February 3, 2023 by Amanda | No Comment

On this day in 1894, American illustrator Norman Rockwell was born in New York City, New York.

Image: Norman Rockwell / Library of Congress

Norman Perceval Rockwell was born on February 3, 1894 to Jarvis Waring Rockwell and Anne Mary “Nancy” Hill. Rockwell’s 7th great grandfather, John Rockwell, was one of the first settlers in Connecticut.

For over four decades, Rockwell’s illustrations of everyday life in America graced the covers of The Saturday Evening Post magazine. Although disliked by critics, Rockwell’s work was beloved by the American public for his simple and optimistic depiction of life in America.

During World War II, Rockwell painted his famous Four Freedoms series, which was inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speech identifying the essential human rights that should be universally protected: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear.

A year before his death, Rockwell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Gerald Ford.

Fun fact: President Roosevelt and Norman Rockwell are 7th cousins twice removed!

Explore Norman Rockwell’s family tree on Geni and discover how you’re related to the American illustrator.