“The Facts of Life” is a genre painting by Norman Rockwell, executed in oil on canvas. The artwork, which measures 86.4 x 111.8 cm and belongs to the Regionalism art movement, is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork presents a poignant scene featuring two main subjects—a man and a boy. The man, presumably a father figure, is seated and leans towards the boy, gesturing with his hands as if in the middle of an explanation. The boy appears to be listening intently, yet with a visibly discomforted expression, his face buried in his hands as though he is processing something overwhelming or embarrassing.
In the background, a wallpaper motif brimming with various birds and plants creates a rich tapestry that envelops the scene. The earthy and warm color palette emphasizes the intimacy and delicacy of the depicted moment.
Two cats—one sleeping, the other curiously peeking through—rest beneath the chair, contributing to the overall domestic feeling of the scene and possibly serving as a subtle reference to the nature-related topic being discussed. The man is dressed in a white shirt and gray trousers, suggesting a casual, yet respectable appearance, common to the mid-20th century archetypal American adult male. The boy is outfitted in a vibrant striped T-shirt and blue pants, indicative of youthful and casual attire.
The interaction between the two individuals is the focal point of the work, highlighting Rockwell’s ability to capture human emotion and sentiment with acute sensitivity and a touch of gentle humor. The artwork invites viewers to reflect on the universality of this rite of passage and the tender, sometimes awkward moments that symbolize growing up and gaining wisdom from one’s elders.
