“The Lineman” is an artwork by Norman Rockwell dating back to 1949, executed in oil on canvas. As an exemplar of the Regionalism art movement, it measures 107 x 144.5 cm. This genre painting, reflective of Rockwell’s meticulous attention to the narrative detail of everyday life, is currently part of a private collection.
The artwork captures the essence of mid-20th-century American life through the depiction of a lineman at work. The lineman is perched atop a utility pole against a vast, cloudy sky, which makes up the artwork’s background. His pose is one of focused concentration as he reaches out to handle the lines. Attired in work clothes— a plaid shirt layered for warmth and heavy-duty khaki trousers—his attention to the task at hand is palpable. The details are fastidiously rendered, with the lineman’s equipment and safety harness adding to the realism of the composition. Rockwell’s skill in the portrayal of light and texture brings forth the tactile quality of the lineman’s clothing, the wooden pole, and the metal equipment he is handling. Embodying the ethos of Regionalism, the artwork celebrates the dignity of labor and the individual’s role within the community, a theme often explored by Rockwell in his works.
