Visits a Ration Board (1944) by Norman Rockwell

Visits a Ration Board - Norman Rockwell - 1944

Artwork Information

TitleVisits a Ration Board
ArtistNorman Rockwell
Date1944
Mediumoil,canvas
Art MovementRegionalism
Current LocationPrivate Collection

About Visits a Ration Board

The artwork titled “Visits a Ration Board” was created by the artist Norman Rockwell in the year 1944. It is an oil on canvas piece that manifests the Regionalism art movement and falls under the genre painting category. Currently, this painting is part of a private collection. The artwork exemplifies Rockwell’s quintessential style, which often captured the essence of American life and culture during the 20th century.

Depicting a scene inside a rationing office, the artwork portrays a group of individuals who are presumably waiting for their turn or are in the process of discussing their rationing needs during a time when resources were carefully distributed — a common practice during the wartime period the piece dates back to. We see an array of characters, a cross-section of society, all brought together by the circumstances of the times. In the foreground, a man stands with a sober expression, clutching papers in his hand, while behind him, others sit awaiting their turn. The office staff is engaged in conversation with the individuals, and the room is adorned with items such as books, a coat rack full of hats and coats, and an American flag on the back wall. One can also observe a bust of a prominent figure — likely a national leader or someone of historical significance — that contributes an aura of officiality to the room.

Rockwell’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to portray everyday life with narrative depth and emotional resonance is evident in the artwork. The facial expressions and body language of the figures convey a mix of patience, concern, and the tedium of bureaucracy. The scene is a window into the era’s domestic life and the shared experiences of people during World War II, highlighting Rockwell’s skill in creating relatable and poignant illustrations that reflected the times.

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