Norman Rockwell’s Classic Image of Thanksgiving

The holiday-themed “Freedom From Want” played an important role during World War II and is a testament to Rockwell’s artistic talent.

(L) The Saturday Evening Post print "Freedom From Want" from the painting series "Four Freedoms," 1943, by Norman Rockwell. (R) Rockwell stands beside his large-scale paintings of the "Four Freedoms" at the Municipal Art Gallery in Los Angeles, 1965. Los Angeles Times/CC BY-SA 4.0

Norman Rockwell’s prolific paintings of everyday American life have had a profound impact on the country’s culture, becoming emblematic of its traditions and history. While drawing on the values of the past, his work also addressed the political and social issues of his day. One of his most beloved and well-known images is of a Thanksgiving meal. The 1943 “Freedom From Want” played an important role during World War II and is a testament to Rockwell’s artistic talent.

A portrait of American artist Norman Rockwell sketching in his home studio, circa 1945. Hulton Archive/Getty Images