The artwork “Second Holiday” by Norman Rockwell, created in 1939 in the United States, is an oil on canvas painting belonging to the Regionalism art movement. It measures approximately 85.72 by 120.02 centimeters and can be categorized under the literary painting genre. Currently housed at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida, the artwork exemplifies Rockwell’s keen observation of American life and his skill in narrative visual storytelling.
In the artwork, we see two elderly individuals, a man and a woman, sitting closely together on a white bench, with a distinctive black and white checkered floor beneath them. The woman is dressed in a long, plum-colored dress with full sleeves, and wears a pendant around her neck, a black hat, and gloves. The man beside her is clad in a classic black suit with a bow tie, and also wears a black hat, which he holds gently in his hands. Both subjects have a pensive and somewhat fatigued expression on their faces, suggesting a moment of rest or deep contemplation.
To the right of the figures, a portion of a figure, presumably a younger man dressed in white garments including a white jacket, pants, and shoes appears, with a stethoscope dangling from his pocket, giving the hint that he may be a doctor. His presence, though partially depicted, seems to emphasize a contrast between the generations and possibly the reason for the couple’s current location, possibly a medical facility. The calm and somber palette of the painting, along with the precision in the expressions and attire of the figures, underscores the reflective mood of the scene. Norman Rockwell’s ability to capture the subtle intricacies of human emotion and interaction is evident in this thought-provoking piece.