“The Golden Rule” is an evocative piece of art created by Norman Rockwell in 1961. It is rooted in the artistic movements of Regionalism and Social Realism and falls under the genre of genre painting. The artwork is imbued with a powerful message that transcends cultural and religious boundaries, highlighting the universal moral dictum: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’.
The artwork itself features a mosaic of human faces, representing a variety of ages, ethnicities, and religious backgrounds. Each figure appears closely interconnected with the others in the composition, symbolizing the shared human condition and the universality of the Golden Rule across different societies. Central to the composition is an older man holding a child in one arm with a gaze that seems contemplative and serene. Directly in front of him is a young African boy standing and looking directly out, his expression compellingly earnest.
Below all the figures, the maxim ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ is inscribed clearly, serving both as a title and a moral anchor for the entire artwork. The individuals are depicted with remarkable detail and expressivity, reflecting Rockwell’s signature style of capturing emotion and character in his subjects. The close arrangement of the figures and their varied expressions suggest a narrative of unity amidst diversity, while the presence of religious and cultural symbols among them mirrors the wide applicability of the Golden Rule’s message.
