The artwork titled “Little boy writing a letter” was created by the esteemed artist Norman Rockwell in the year 1920. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece exemplifies the Regionalism art movement, which was characterized by its realistic depiction of rural American scenes and everyday life. The genre of this artwork is classified as a genre painting, which typically depicts scenes from ordinary life. Currently, the artwork is part of a private collection.
In this evocative painting, Norman Rockwell captures a slice of Americana in his distinctive style. The artwork features a young boy, deeply focused and slightly frustrated, as he writes a letter. His furrowed brow and ginger hair complement the concentrated effort visible on his face. The boy is perched upon an improvised seat, which appears to be a wooden barrel, suggesting a makeshift or rural setting. In his lap lies a piece of paper, and we can see that several attempts at writing the letter have been discarded on the floor beside his oversized brown shoes, highlighting the painstaking effort behind the task.
Beside the boy, a faithful dog attentively gazes up, its expression implying a mix of curiosity and companionship, adding a tender dynamic to the scene. The dog’s presence enriches the narrative, providing a silent yet supportive audience for the boy’s endeavor. The attention to detail in Rockwell’s work is apparent in elements like the ink bottle, the boy’s attire, and the various discarded drafts, which all contribute to the narrative realism for which Rockwell was renowned. This artwork captures a timeless moment, showcasing Rockwell’s skill in immortalizing the simple, everyday experiences that resonate with viewers across generations.
