The artwork “Cousin Reginald Spells Peloponnesus” is a genre painting by Norman Rockwell, created in 1918. Rockwell is often associated with the Regionalism art movement, which sought to depict realistic scenes of rural and small-town America. This particular piece presents a vivid slice of life from the early 20th century, showcasing his meticulous attention to detail and his talent for storytelling through visual media.
In the artwork, three young characters are portrayed against the backdrop of a schoolroom setting. The leftmost figure is a boy with round spectacles, hands folded contentedly, wearing a buttoned-up school uniform with a sizable white collar. His expression is one of quiet pride, possibly having just spelled the word “Peloponnesus” correctly. He appears to stand a little apart from the scene, unaffected by the surrounding tension.
Center stage, a boy in a red knitted sweater over a dark collar shirt looks pensively to the side, his fist clenched, as though deep in thought or bracing for a challenge — perhaps it is his turn next in the spelling bee. His posture and furrowed brow convey a sense of determination or concern.
To the right, a girl clutches the arm of the middle boy, gazing upward toward him with a mixture of expectancy and apprehension. Dressed in a blouse with a red sash and a dark skirt, she epitomizes the typical school attire of the period. Her body language suggests encouragement or shared anxiety in the unfolding academic competition.
Behind these figures, a chalkboard bearing the word “Peloponnesus” provides context to the scene, implying that a spelling bee is underway. The chalk-drawn script further adds to the authenticity and specificity of the narrative Rockwell has captured.
Norman Rockwell’s signature can be found on the lower-right corner of the artwork, grounding his authorship within the context of the understated drama. The entire composition, marked by vivid character expressions and period attire, serves as an enduring reflection of youth experiences and educational practices of its time.