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

Description

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

PROVENANCE:
Ejner Handberg, Stockbridge, Massachusetts;
Private collector, acquired from the above, circa 1985;
Sotheby's, New York, November 28, 2007, lot 130;
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. A140a, 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 Spring Four Ages of Love: Flute Serenade, two seated figures, a boy and a girl, are surrounded by a spray of spring foliage and small animals paired off to symbolize love, new beginnings, and young innocence. Rockwell has drawn this impish boy playing his flute and leaning in to impress the curious and proper girl.
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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