His pictures that highlight the small occupations contribute to the American nationalism, and this feature is particularly appreciated in those times of war. The American diversity is not ignored: from 1943 to 1948, Rockwell often travels in the eastern United States, up to Georgia.
Close to the readers of the magazine, the artist likes to show himself in scenes of provincial visits. On November 19 in New York, Christie's sells an oil on canvas 84 x 160 cm on the theme of Rockwell's visit to a country editor, published on May 25, 1946 in the inner pages of the Saturday Evening Post. This painting is estimated $ 10M, lot 55.
In this scene located in Paris, Missouri, the boss and the employees are in a hurry for the preparation of the local newspaper in their small workshop looking like those of the ancient times, with bulky typewriters and with souvenirs stuck to the wall.
The characters form several groups. In the center, the editor seated at his desk is preparing an article while listening to a comment from his printer. On the left, a working boy maliciously trades a paper with a pretty secretary. Further to the right, three people are talking. A seated man learns the death of President Roosevelt, which is the main topic in the current edition of the newspaper. Rockwell, recognizable by his pipe and hat, is just entering into the room.
Through such details, precise, picturesque and full of life, Rockwell registered and displayed better than any other artist the everyday life far away from the big cities. He is now acknowledged as one of the outstanding American artists of his time.
SOLD for $ 11.6M including premium
Norman Rockwell Visits a Country Editor achieves $11,589,000 in the American Art sale pic.twitter.com/T7eWObcnjO
— Christie's (@ChristiesInc) November 19, 2015