The artwork titled “Boy with Baby Carriage” was created by the American artist Norman Rockwell in 1916. This oil on canvas piece is a fine example of the Regionalism art movement and falls within the genre painting category. The artwork measures 47 by 53 centimeters and, as of the last recorded information, it belongs to a private collection.
“Boy with Baby Carriage” portrays a poignant scene featuring three young boys. The central figure is a smartly dressed boy with a stern expression, pushing an old-fashioned baby carriage in which a small infant can be partially seen. He wears a dark suit, a bowler hat, and carries a box and umbrella, which, alongside his attire, give him an adult-like demeanor, in contrast to the activity he is engaged in, one that might be considered unmasculine or unbecoming for a boy of his time. To his left, a second boy, wearing a cap and a playful smirk, tips his cap in a mocking salute. A third boy in the background appears to be teasing, as indicated by his facial expression and the action of pointing. The interaction among the boys captures a narrative moment, likely commenting on societal expectations, childhood, and the taunts related to gender roles and responsibilities.
The contrast between the central boy’s serious demeanor and his peers’ playful mockery might reflect Rockwell’s contemplation on the themes of maturity and innocence, or possibly a critique on societal norms of masculinity. The detailed illustration style and the everyday subject matter are hallmarks of Rockwell’s work, which often told stories of American life with humor, affection, and keen observations of social interactions.
