Elena Rossi
Norman Rockwell's Triple Self-Portrait was first published in the February 13, 1960, issue of The Saturday Evening Post. The painting is regarded as a thoughtful portrait of the artist's three selves: the painter, the observer, and the public person. Rockwell, known for his self-deprecating humour, included several elements in the painting, such as opaque glasses and a reminder at the top of the easel, that added a layer of whimsy and subtext to the portrait. The Triple Self-Portrait is considered one of the most famous self-portraits in American art history and has become an iconic work by Norman Rockwell.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Norman Rockwell |
| Date | 1960 |
| Date of appearance in The Saturday Evening Post | February 13, 1960 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 44½" x 34¾" |
| Description | Portrait of the artist's three selves: the painter, the observer, and the public person |
| Number of self-portraits depicted | Seven |
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What You'll Learn
- The painting was published in the Saturday Evening Post on February 13, 1960
- It is one of only three self-portraits Rockwell ever created
- The portrait is a commentary on the divide between an artist and an illustrator
- Rockwell's self-deprecation is a key element of the work
- The painting is a thoughtful portrait of the artist's three selves
The painting was published in the Saturday Evening Post on February 13, 1960
Norman Rockwell's Triple Self-Portrait was published in the Saturday Evening Post on February 13, 1960. The painting is considered one of the most famous self-portraits in American art history. It is particularly notable because Rockwell only produced three self-portraits during his career, whereas other artists like Rembrandt created more than 90.
The Triple Self-Portrait is a thoughtful portrait of the artist's three selves: the painter, the observer, and the public person. The painting is also regarded as a "manifesto" that demonstrates how American Realism differs from the reality found in a mirror. Rockwell's self-portrait is a complex and fascinating concept, a type of artistic Mobius strip. The painting is a portrait of Rockwell painting a portrait of himself painting a portrait, and so on.
The painting was created to announce the first of eight excerpts of his autobiography. Rockwell's humour and humility are evident in the lighthearted and self-deprecating nature of the work. The composition is limited to himself, his artist's materials, references, a canvas on an easel, and a mirror. Rockwell also includes a reminder to himself at the top of the easel, indicating that he should not be taken in by appearances.
The Triple Self-Portrait is a unique and intriguing work of art that provides insight into Rockwell's character and artistic intentions. It is a testament to his genius and enduring legacy in American art.
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It is one of only three self-portraits Rockwell ever created
Norman Rockwell's Triple Self-Portrait is considered one of the most famous self-portraits in American art history. It is also one of only three self-portraits that Rockwell ever created. Rockwell was a prolific artist, producing more than 4,000 original works in his lifetime, but he rarely turned his attention to himself as a subject.
The Triple Self-Portrait is a fascinating and mind-blowing concept, a type of artistic Mobius strip. It depicts Rockwell painting a portrait of himself, painting a portrait of himself, painting a portrait of himself. The painting also includes several photos gathered at the bottom of the frame, alluding to the fractal nature of the work. Rockwell included these photos as visual reinforcement of his intentions.
The portrait is regarded as a thoughtful portrait of the artist's three selves: the painter, the observer, and the public person. Rockwell himself described the work as follows: "I had to show that my glasses were fogged, and that I couldn’t actually see what I looked like — a homely, lanky fellow — and therefore, I could stretch the truth just a bit and paint myself looking more suave and debonair than I actually am."
Rockwell's two other self-portraits are Norman Rockwell Painting the Soda Jerk, showing the artist from the waist up at work on his 1953 Post cover, and The Deadline, a 1938 Post cover composed much the same as this one—the rear view of the artist at work at his easel.
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The portrait is a commentary on the divide between an artist and an illustrator
Norman Rockwell's Triple Self-Portrait, painted in 1960, is a thoughtful and witty commentary on the artist's perception of the divide between an artist and an illustrator. The portrait is a meta-commentary on Rockwell's creative process and his position in art history.
The painting depicts Rockwell in the act of painting his own portrait, with his reflection in a mirror as his reference. This reflection shows Rockwell with glasses, while the portrait he is painting does not include them. According to art critics, by not painting his eyes in the reflection, Rockwell rejects "the popular myth of artists as heroic seers". This omission is interpreted as a statement on the divide between an artist and an illustrator, with Rockwell seeing himself as split between these two identities.
The Triple Self-Portrait is one of only three self-portraits by Rockwell, who is known for his illustrations and narrative storytelling through painting. The portrait is a unique piece that transcends traditional norms of cover art and American illustrations. It showcases Rockwell's self-awareness, humour, and rich array of influences. The various objects and imagery in the portrait convey Rockwell's sense of humour and introspection.
The portrait also includes references to famous self-portraits by other artists, such as Albrecht Durer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent Van Gogh. These references showcase Rockwell's respect for these artists and his self-aware placement within the continuum of art history. The inclusion of the mirror illustrates the concept of self-reflection, both literally and figuratively, adding to the narrative complexity of the self-portrait.
Overall, Norman Rockwell's Triple Self-Portrait is a thoughtful and witty commentary on the artist's perception of the divide between an artist and an illustrator, offering a unique and intimate look into his creative process and self-awareness.
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Rockwell's self-deprecation is a key element of the work
Norman Rockwell's Triple Self-Portrait was first published in the 13 February 1960 issue of The Saturday Evening Post. The painting is regarded by many as a thoughtful portrait of the artist's three selves: the painter, the observer, and the public person.
Rockwell's self-deprecation is evident in the way he portrays himself in the painting. He depicts himself as a "homely, lanky fellow", with fogged glasses, suggesting that he is not concerned with his physical appearance. This self-deprecating humour extends to the details of the painting, such as the scattered matchsticks, paint tubes, and brushes on the studio floor, which contrast with Rockwell's reputation as a stickler for neatness.
The painting also includes subtle references that reflect Rockwell's self-deprecating sense of humour. For example, the glass of Coca-Cola, which was Rockwell's usual afternoon pick-me-up, is depicted as if it is about to tip over. Additionally, Rockwell has included a reminder to himself at the top of the easel, "don't be taken in by appearances", which can be interpreted as a playful acknowledgment of the painting's whimsical nature.
Rockwell's self-deprecation also extends to his artistic process. In the painting, he includes a canvas on an easel and a mirror, which are essential elements of the commission. By doing so, Rockwell acknowledges the artificial nature of the self-portrait and invites the viewer to consider the construction of the image. This is further emphasised by the absence of eye contact between the artist and his reflection, suggesting that the reflection is how Rockwell wants to be remembered rather than an accurate representation of himself.
Overall, Rockwell's self-deprecation in the Triple Self-Portrait is a key element that adds a layer of humour, humility, and thoughtfulness to the work. By depicting himself in a self-deprecating light, Rockwell invites the viewer to consider the complexities of identity and the artistic process.
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The painting is a thoughtful portrait of the artist's three selves
Norman Rockwell's Triple Self-Portrait is a thoughtful portrait of the artist's three selves. Painted in 1960, it is considered one of the most famous self-portraits in American art. The painting is a complex and fascinating concept, a type of artistic Mobius strip, where Rockwell paints himself painting a portrait of himself.
The portrait is a thoughtful representation of Rockwell's different identities: the painter, the observer, and the public person. The painter is seen in the act of creation, with his artists' materials, references, and a canvas on an easel. The observer is the image in the mirror, looking back at the viewer, rather than at the artist himself. This image is how Rockwell wants the viewer to see him or remember him, as a "suave and debonair" version of himself. The public person is the artist as he is seen by the world, with all the complexities and eventfulness of his life.
Rockwell's intention behind the triple self-portrait was to show himself as split between an artist and an illustrator. By not painting his eyes in the reflection, Rockwell rejects the idea of "artists as heroic seers". This work is seen as a manifesto, depicting the way American Realism differs from the reality found in a mirror. Rockwell also includes a reminder to himself at the top of the easel, indicating that he should not be taken in by appearances.
The Triple Self-Portrait is a thoughtful and complex work, a unique representation of the artist's different selves and a commentary on the nature of art and reality. Rockwell's humour and humility are also reflected in this thoughtful portrait, making it a fascinating and enduring work of art.
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Frequently asked questions
Norman Rockwell painted the Triple Self-Portrait in 1960.
The Triple Self-Portrait was published in the Saturday Evening Post on February 13, 1960.
Rockwell is known to have created only three self-portraits, including the Triple Self-Portrait.
Rockwell's Triple Self-Portrait was inspired by self-portraits of other artists like Albrecht Durer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent Van Gogh.
The Triple Self-Portrait is a thoughtful portrait of the artist's three selves: the painter, the observer, and the public person. It also represents how Rockwell saw himself as split between an artist and an illustrator.
