Painting Tour: “The Gossips“ (1948)

Painted in 1948, Rockwell had the idea for “The Gossips” 20 years earlier but couldn’t quite get the ending until he thought to picture himself as the subject of the gossips’ circle; he used his neighbors in Arlington, Vermont as the other figures in the painting. Thousands of letters were sent to “The Saturday Evening Post” asking what the gossip was they were passing along, but an answer was never given. In an interview in December of 1948, Rockwell remembered that the woman who posed for the first lady in the picture, the one who had started the gossip, was still a little upset at her portrayal. Not all of his subjects were critical: one model told a reporter, “It’s more fun posing for him than going to the movies. Norman keeps you in stitches with his funny stories.” Norman Rockwell Museum needs your help! We have started a campaign to conserve the Museum’s beloved Norman Rockwell drawing of “The Gossips“ -- just in time for its 70th anniversary. It takes a village of supporters to preserve an art collection. The 68-year old drawing is the only complete rendering of what would become one of America’s most iconic paintings. The fragile nature of works on paper requires great care. Your gift will help us reach our goal to secure needed funds for the conservation process.