Episode 121: Giving Thanks for Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms
As we head into the holiday season, we’re giving thanks by spotlighting the four freedoms—Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Fear and Freedom from Want—along with the man who brought them to life in ways everyone could understand: Norman Rockwell.
We talk about how while critics threw shade his way, Rockwell created what is arguably the most iconic Thanksgiving image of all time, parodied and remixed over the years.
So mix up a couple of vodka and cranberries and serve them up in a gravy boat. It's time to join us as we give thanks to be with you, our listeners, back here in the bar.
E X T R A S :
(Top to bottom): Freedom From Want, the original appearance in the Saturday Evening Post with an accompanying essay by Carlos Bulosan, a 2018 update by Hank Willis Thomas and Emily Shur from their “For Freedoms: Four Freedoms” series
(Top to bottom): Freedom From Fear, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship
A 1994 commemorative series from the USPS designed by Richard Sheaff
(Left to right): Rockwell with Harlan Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken; Rockwell’s portrait of Sanders
Additional Links
Norman Rockwell biography
“Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms” (Museum of Fine Arts Houston)
“The Story Behind Norman Rockwell’s Iconic Thanksgiving Scene” (artnet article)
“Norman Rockwell's Images of Freedom Revisited 75 Years Later” (VOA article)
Blur’s “There’s No Other Way” referencing Freedom From Want (YouTube video)
