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This biography tells the story of the twentieth-century American illustrator Norman Rockwell and the models he used for his priceless paintings. Each chapter takes the reader into the life, economic circumstances, and time in the studio of each model and their families. At the same time, one gets a peek into the inner life and quirks of Rockwell. How he held his pipe but never lit it and focused intently on the faces of his chosen models shows the reader a man of inquisitive nature who took his work seriously, regardless if it was for an ad or the cover of the Saturday Evening Post. The author wrote this book based on interviews with Rockwell's past models. The artist positively impacted the lives of each of his models. Their time posing for him gave them friendship, a rise in social status, respect from family and friends, and significant income.
From the mouths of the people who worked with him, it is evident that Rockwell left behind beauty and art in more than just his paintings. Haggarty paints a vivid picture of the life of Rockwell and his models in this biography. The author's descriptive writing and the inclusion of direct quotes from the models allow the reader to feel a personal connection with each character. The book ends with a helpful overall reflection on Rockwell's life, his impact on the models, and the value of his paintings. At the back of the book, Haggarty also includes a brief biography about each model, giving the reader a full picture of their lives. Any reader who loves art, history, biographies, or well-written literature will be captivated by this story of America's beloved painter.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review