The Art Critic Best 2-dimensional Artwork

In August of 2019 a good friend of mine and fellow artist Jeff Neumann and I paid a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum. We were naturally enthralled with all of Rockwell’s work but while viewing his painting entitled: “The Art Critic” my imagination was triggered. So I asked Jeff if he would stand in front of the painting for a closer look.
A favorite technique of Rockwell’s in order to add character and humor to his paintings was to incorporate other photographs or works of art into the composition. Then, and often with humor, he brings that incorporated artwork to life.
In this painting, a young aspiring artist is studying a locket suspended above the bosom of the lady in the painting on the left. He is apparently trying to discover the technique used to paint it.
At the same time, three Dutch cavaliers, in the canvas next door look on as if they are flabbergasted or maybe jealous at his ability to get such a close up view with his magnifying glass.
By the smile on her face, the lady in the painting, however, seems flattered at the attention.
The double play of critiquing Rockwell’s work while he himself critiques the Dutch masters was irresistible.

---

---

Medium