Balcony (1916) by Norman Rockwell

Balcony - Norman Rockwell - 1916

Artwork Information

TitleBalcony
ArtistNorman Rockwell
Date1916
Art MovementRegionalism

About Balcony

The artwork titled “Balcony” was created by Norman Rockwell in the year 1916, and it represents the Regionalism art movement. Characterized as a genre painting, “Balcony” is an exemplary piece of Rockwell’s work that visualizes everyday life situations with a touch of humor and satire.

The artwork captures a lively scene of several individuals gathered on a balcony, portrayed with exaggerated facial expressions and engaging in various activities. At the forefront, two boys are leaning over the railing, exuding a mischievous air, with one boy looking directly out, likely at an event below, while holding what appears to be a program. Both boys are sharply dressed, suggesting the significance or formality of the occasion they are witnessing.

Behind them, a pair of females are shown close together, one whispering into the ear of the other, sharing a moment of excitement or gossip. A man next to them is smiling broadly, his teeth shining and eyes crinkled in mirth. Every individual is focused on a different aspect of the scene, implying a rich tapestry of reactions and experiences, which is a hallmark of Norman Rockwell’s approach to capturing the essence of American life.

Additionally, the two older men appear to be entranced by the event, with one holding a pair of binoculars and the other a program as well. Their expressions of amusement and engagement convey a shared enjoyment among the group. Rockwell’s ability to depict a multi-generational gathering with such vibrancy and wit speaks to his skill in genre painting, where the story of the everyday is told through expressive detail.

Overall, Rockwell’s “Balcony” provides a window into the dynamics of social interaction, heightened by the subtle suggestion of a narrative behind every glance and gesture. The painting, through its vivid character portrayal and attention to the nuances of human emotions, becomes a charming artifact from the artist’s body of work which celebrated regional American culture.

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