The Fiddler

Although not a student of Howard Pyle, Norman Rockwell is one of the remarkable illustrators who outlasted the period referred to as America’s “Golden Age of Illustration.” Best known for the paintings he did as cover illustrations for The Saturday Evening Post, Rockwell also did extensive work for other major publications. The Fiddler appeared as a cover for The Country Gentleman in October 1921, still relatively early in his career. Rockwell celebrates autumn and Halloween, represented by both the grinning jack-o’-lantern and the corn cob and autumn leaf garland. He skillfully mimics the effect of stage lighting in this painting, highlighting the musician’s expression and hands, creating an illusion of three-dimensionality.