The artwork “No Swimming,” created by Norman Rockwell in 1921, is an oil on canvas painting belonging to the Regionalism art movement. With dimensions of 25 1/4 by 22 1/4 inches, this genre painting is housed at The Norman Rockwell Museum at Stockbridge. Rockwell is known for his illustrations that vividly capture American culture and life with a blend of humor and poignancy.
In this particular artwork, Rockwell depicts a humorous and somewhat ironic scene. The painting shows three young boys who seem to have been swimming despite a sign that clearly states “No Swimming.” One boy, in the foreground, is hastily pulling up his underwear, his wet hair plastered to his scalp, suggesting he’s just rushed out of the water. His wide-open eyes and slightly ajar mouth convey a sense of surprise or urgency. Another boy, to the right, is sitting down with one shoe off, also appearing to be in a hurry, perhaps at the sound of an adult approaching or realizing they’ve been caught in the act. Between them in the background, the partially visible “No Swimming” sign underscores the mischief they’ve been up to. A dog, seemingly part of their troop, is also present, looking back with an expression that might read as complicity or confusion. The painting is imbued with movement and narrative, capturing the fleeting and rebellious moments of youth with Rockwell’s characteristic charm and attentiveness to detail.