Roadblock (1949) by Norman Rockwell

Roadblock - Norman Rockwell - 1949

Artwork Information

TitleRoadblock
ArtistNorman Rockwell
Date1949
Art MovementRegionalism

About Roadblock

The artwork titled “Roadblock” was created by the artist Norman Rockwell in the year 1949. As an exemplar of the Regionalism art movement, this work is classified within the genre painting category. Rockwell’s creation vividly depicts a slice of mid-20th-century American life, encapsulating the social interactions and everyday experiences of that era.

“Roadblock” portrays a bustling and slightly chaotic street scene in which an array of characters from a close-knit community interact with one another. The focal point of the artwork is a large, red delivery truck emblazoned with the word “PEPIES” which has come to an impasse, its progression halted by a small dog standing steadfastly in its path. The driver, in white attire, leans forward with a somewhat amused expression, looking for assistance from the surrounding individuals.

Onlookers participate from multiple vantage points: a lady in a polka-dot dress peers from a window above; two men on fire escapes gaze down with interest; a police officer observes from the sidewalk, and a group of children, accompanied by a young woman with a bicycle, watches intently from the foreground. Each individual displays a unique reaction varying from concern to amusement, highlighting Rockwell’s talent for capturing the diversity of human expressions.

The scene unfolds within a dense urban environment, complete with brick buildings and a narrow alley, suggesting a working-class neighborhood. The tension of the moment is light, filled with a sense of community curiosity and shared experience. The artwork is rich in detail, offering a narrative that invites viewers to become part of the story, exploring the intricacies of the relationships and behaviors exhibited among the characters. Norman Rockwell’s “Roadblock” stands as a charming and insightful commentary on the everyday drama of American life.

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