The artwork entitled “Ghostly gourds” was created by renowned artist Norman Rockwell in 1969. It is a vivid exemplar of the Regionalism art movement, specifically falling into the category of genre painting. Rockwell’s creation familiarizes the viewer with a scene that encapsulates the essence of a particular place and time, echoing the localized narratives typical of Regionalist works.
In the artwork, a young boy and an older man, who appears to be his grandfather, are engaged in the seasonal activity of carving pumpkins. The boy, with a focused expression, holds a large pumpkin against his chest, while the old man, outfitted in a rustic attire complete with a hat and a jacket adorned with autumnal leaves, attentively carves a face into the gourd. The man’s pipe juts from his mouth, adding to the characterization of his figure. At their feet, a curious dog looks on, and there are several jack-o’-lanterns with varying facial expressions arranged around them. The setting includes fallen leaves scattered around, reinforcing the autumnal theme. The attention to detail and the warm tones used capture the cozy and festive spirit associated with the tradition of pumpkin carving, and the interaction between the characters suggests a generational bond and the passing down of traditions. Norman Rockwell’s characteristic style of capturing everyday American life with warmth, humor, and nostalgia resonates strongly in this piece.
