Community Corner

Breaking Down Rockwell's 'Freedom from Fear'

Thomas C. Daly, curator of the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass., gave an analysis of Rockwell's famous painting "Freedom from Fear" during a presentation for the Monroe Four Freedoms Project at Edith Wheeler Memorial Library Wednesday night.

Created during World War II, Daly showed how Rockwell's painting tells the story of an American family feeling safe and secure in their home.

Details include the headline of the newspaper the father is holding telling of a horrific bombing in another country, as he appears at ease watching his wife tuck their two children into bed for the night.

The mother is wearing an apron, probably from having just done the evening dishes, Daly said. He also noted how the top of the stairs can be seen outside the bedroom doorway — with the warm lighting providing a sense of comfort.

The blankets are being pulled up, making the children snug in their beds, and the daughter's doll is on the floor, showing she has no need to cling to it, according to Daly.

As another touch, Rockwell included a picture of a guardian angel above the bed.

"Rockwell creates a roadmap for us to see what we need to see," Daly said of the artist's work. 


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