1940's and 1950's Illustration

July 9, 2009 12:31 PM

Today's Inspirationis a blog "for those with an interest in illustration from the 40's and 50's to share their knowledge, views and opinions." This week it is featuring a guest blogger analyzing Norman Rockwell's illustrations for Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. This blog can always be counted on to inform you about illustrators and cartoonists you've likely never heard of. Also advertising icons and my favorite: Smokes for Mom! It's all on Flickr too.

Previously in a very fine post, but I've been enjoying this blog so much I though it deserved its own post.

posted by marxchivist (12 comments total)

I've gone through my periods of Norman Rockwell hate, but I think this guy does a good job analyzing how Rockwell could just nail it. He really was the best at that sort of thing, if you like that sort of thing. And these days I do.
posted by marxchivist at 12:31 PM on July 9

Today's Inspiration never ceases to amaze me. They cover lots of personal faves, but they have also turned me onto so many great illustrators that I would have otherwise most likely missed.
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 12:42 PM on July 9

Bookmarked! Thanks for posting this, marxchivist.
posted by Atom Eyes at 12:43 PM on July 9

Hmm. Very nice and thank you. Useful reference.

Hmm. Wonder if the inspiration for this guy came from the kid in the left-side background of this.
posted by bz at 12:52 PM on July 9

For me, the best and most important Rockwell painting.
posted by Artw at 12:54 PM on July 9 [1 favorite]

Excellent reference. Thanks!
posted by Guy_Inamonkeysuit at 1:15 PM on July 9

I've waited all my life for someone to appreciate Rockwell on this level. Thanks for sharing!
posted by Faze at 1:26 PM on July 9

Revenge of the Nerds (1959).
posted by marxchivist at 1:38 PM on July 9 [1 favorite]

Very nice. Thanks. I actually enjoyed the Rockwell analysis.
posted by OmieWise at 1:42 PM on July 9

Great stuff! I sent it to my dad, who's a graphic artist. Know he'll get a kick out of it.

I wish magazine ads looked that cool today. (And cigarette ads definitely need more babies.)
posted by Neofelis at 2:40 PM on July 9

Rockwell's fantastic. Some people misunderstand him and snarkily cast him as a Thomas Kinkade, but I think they're missing out on a lot.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 3:09 PM on July 9

Norman Rockwell, I'm not the least bit ashamed to say, is my favourite painter.

His work is just as much 16th Century mannerism as 20th Century magazine cover.
posted by Sys Rq at 8:11 PM on July 9