The artwork titled “Is He Coming?” is an oil on canvas painting created by the renowned American artist Norman Rockwell in 1920. Rockwell, who is associated with the Regionalism art movement, has here produced a work that exemplifies the genre painting tradition. Currently, this painting is part of a private collection. The work captures a moment within a narrative, inviting viewers to engage with the scene and its characters.
The artwork portrays an intimate domestic scene set by a glowing fireplace. In the center, a young child in a white nightgown stands expectantly, facing the fireplace with a plate of cookies carefully balanced in small hands. The child’s wide-eyed expression and open mouth suggest anticipation or surprise, reflective of the title’s query, “Is He Coming?”
Rockwell’s use of light draws the viewer’s attention to the child’s face, highlighting the expression and serving as the focal point of the composition. The warmth of the fire bathes the room in a cozy, amber-hued light, creating a sense of warmth and comfort. The setting is further enriched with holiday decorations, such as the garland above the fireplace, implying the season of the setting. Meanwhile, a cat sits to the side, its gaze directed towards the same point of interest as the child’s, adding to the atmosphere of expectancy.
The textures depicted — the softness of the nightgown, the rough bricks of the fireplace, and the fur of the cat — showcase Rockwell’s skill in rendering a variety of surfaces. Overall, the artwork captures a moment full of emotion and narrative potential, reflecting Rockwell’s ability to tell stories through his paintings, touching upon themes of childhood and anticipation.
