Norman Rockwell’s Turkey Feast: A Thanksgiving Touchstone

Over his lifetime, the acclaimed artist Norman Rockwell produced over 4,000 original artworks. His 1943 Four Freedom series, which included the well-known Freedom from Want, is among his most well-known creations. The piece, also referred to as The Thanksgiving Picture, has come to represent an idealized, “all-American” portrayal of the holiday. An iconic painting that resonates with each generation, Artsper presents 3 fun facts about Norman Rockwell’s Thanksgiving painting!.

Unveiling the Secrets Behind “Freedom from Want”

Norman Rockwell’s iconic painting, “Freedom from Want,” has become synonymous with Thanksgiving, capturing the essence of family, togetherness, and abundance. But beyond its heartwarming depiction of a holiday feast, the painting holds a deeper meaning, reflecting the ideals of freedom and prosperity that were central to American society during World War II.

A Closer Look at the Painting:

Rockwell’s masterpiece depicts a family gathered around a table laden with a Thanksgiving feast. The centerpiece is a roasted turkey, surrounded by an array of traditional dishes, symbolizing the bounty and prosperity that Americans enjoyed during a time of global conflict. The painting’s title, “Freedom from Want,” is a direct reference to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms speech, which outlined the essential freedoms that all people should have: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

Beyond the Brushstrokes:

While “Freedom from Want” is often viewed as a simple depiction of a Thanksgiving celebration, it carries a deeper message. The painting was created during World War II, a time when many Americans were facing hardship and uncertainty. Rockwell’s work served as a reminder of the ideals that the nation was fighting for a vision of a world where everyone could enjoy freedom from want.

The Four Freedoms Series:

“Freedom from Want” was part of a series of four paintings that Rockwell created to illustrate Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms. Each painting depicted a different aspect of freedom:

  • Freedom of Speech: A group of people engaged in a lively discussion.
  • Freedom of Worship: A family praying together in their home.
  • Freedom from Fear: A man and woman sleeping peacefully in their bed.
  • Freedom from Want: The Thanksgiving feast we’ve been exploring.

The series was widely distributed in poster form and became instrumental in the U.S. Government War Bond Drive.

An Enduring Legacy:

“Freedom from Want” remains one of Rockwell’s most beloved and iconic works. It continues to be reproduced and displayed in homes and public spaces across the country, serving as a reminder of the importance of family, togetherness, and the ideals of freedom that America stands for.

Behind the Scenes:

Here are some interesting facts about “Freedom from Want”:

  • The painting was created in November 1942 and published in the March 6, 1943, issue of The Saturday Evening Post.
  • All of the people in the picture were friends and family of Rockwell in Arlington, Vermont.
  • The turkey was cooked by Rockwell’s cook on Thanksgiving Day.
  • The painting has been parodied and imitated countless times, a testament to its enduring popularity.

Thanksgiving Inspiration:

As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, let us remember the message of “Freedom from Want.” May we be grateful for the abundance we enjoy and strive to create a world where everyone can experience freedom from want.

Norman Rockwell, Thanksgiving, Freedom from Want, Four Freedoms, family, togetherness, abundance, prosperity, ideals, World War II, Franklin D. Roosevelt, painting, art, history, culture, tradition, gratitude, inspiration.

Additional Resources:

An authentic scene?

norman rockwell thanksgiving turkey

The subjects in the painting were either friends or family of Rockwell in Arlington, Virginia. The majority were photographed individually and then painted into the scene. You can see Rockwell’s wife, Mary, his mother, Nancy Hill Rockwell, and the family cook, Mrs. Thaddeus Wheaton, who is serving a traditional Thanksgiving turkey. Learn more about the artist’s professional and personal life in our article!.

A source of wartime motivation

norman rockwell thanksgiving turkey

The series of paintings, The Four Freedoms, was inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s address to congress in January 1941. He stated in this speech that he wanted to see the “four freedoms”—freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear—achieved for all people on the planet. However this in no way meant he worked with the government. In fact, Rockwell initially sought commission from the Office of War Information, but was rejected.

The Perfect ‘Norm Rockwell’ Thanksgiving Turkey – with Oakland Dust

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