A Tough One (1962) by Norman Rockwell

A Tough One - Norman Rockwell - 1962

Artwork Information

TitleA Tough One
ArtistNorman Rockwell
Date1962
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions18 x 16 cm
Art MovementRegionalism

About A Tough One

The artwork in question is an oil on canvas painting titled “A Tough One,” created by the distinguished American artist Norman Rockwell in the year 1962. This piece is rendered in the Regionalist style and is considered a genre painting. It possesses modest dimensions, measuring 18 x 16 cm.

In “A Tough One,” the viewer is presented with a heartwarming and intimate scene involving two figures, presumably a father and son, deeply engrossed in what appears to be a thought-provoking activity. They are situated at a modest red kitchen table, each seated on a matching red chair, leaning towards each other, indicating their collaboration and focus. The father, wearing glasses and a blue sweater, is holding a pencil and scratching his head in a gesture of deep concentration or perhaps perplexity. His gaze is directed downwards at some papers or perhaps a homework assignment. The son, mirroring his father’s posture and expression, indicates a shared challenge. He also sports a blue sweater, emphasizing the connection between the two figures, and is similarly occupied with writing materials, suggesting they are working together to solve a problem.

The scene is warmly lit, most likely by the yellow lamp shown in the composition, which has a classical design, adding to the atmosphere of domesticity and comfort. A telltale sign of frustration or a challenge recently encountered is the crumpled piece of paper on the floor adjacent to an open book or folder, further confirming the narrative suggested by the title, “A Tough One”. Rockwell’s painting resonates with viewers due to its relatable depiction of family life and the universal experiences of parental involvement in a child’s education, as well as the occasional difficulty of schoolwork. The meticulous attention to detail and the empathetic portrayal of the subjects are hallmarks of Rockwell’s acclaimed style.

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