Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978). Four Ages of Love: Courting Couple preliminary, 1955. Pencil on tracing paper. 13...

Description

Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978)
Four Ages of Love: Courting Couple preliminary, 1955
Pencil on tracing paper
13 x 13 inches (33.0 x 33.0 cm) (image)
Signed lower right: NORMAN ROCKWELL

PROVENANCE:
Ejner Handburg, Stockbridge, Massachusetts;
Private collector, acquired from the above, circa 1985;
Sotheby's, New York, November 28, 2007, lot 129;
Private collection, Connecticut;
Acquired by the present owner from the above, October 26, 2013.

LITERATURE:
L.N. Moffatt, Norman Rockwell: A Definitive Catalogue, vol. I, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, 1986, no. A141a, pp. 318-19, illustrated.

For every year between 1947 and 1964 Norman Rockwell produced a Four Seasons calendar series for the Brown & Bigelow calendar company. In 1955, the seasons were represented by the Four Ages of Love. Typical of his favored nostalgic scenes of companionship and community, the calendar focuses on a classic motif-in this case the historical "courting couple" popular in decorative art-and creates something contemporary and timeless, moving from the young innocence of Spring romance to a Winter fireside image of life-long commitment.
In Rockwell's Summer Four Ages of Love: Courting Couple, two figures are relaxed together as a large dog, a symbol of fidelity, is lying alongside them. The female figure has been working on a long flower chain, a symbol of love and celebration, with even more flowers about her feet and in her basket. The male figure leans into the female figure with his hand touching her shoulder, signaling their familiarity with each other.
These tender depictions embody much of what audiences have responded to about Rockwell for generations, and the two highly detailed, artistically compelling studies here showcase his craft. Each work highlights Rockwell's process, showing his careful attention to perfecting his overall composition as he worked with costumed models who were in fact friends and neighbors. With his choices to depict ordinary people expressing natural affection, Rockwell celebrates and elevates the emotional world of the everyday American.


More information about Norman Rockwell. See also: Rockwell, Norman, Rockwell, Norman Perceval Artist.

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