"At a time in which the noble tradition of community based journalism is being challenged by societal and technological transformation, Norman Rockwell's charming and realistic portrayal of a country editor and team of journalists diligently working to share the news of the day with their community readers, epitomizes the attributes of American journalism and its contribution to the life of America." (Barbara Cochran, National Press Club Journalism Institute)
Norman Rockwell Visits a Country Editor appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post in 1946, when the painter was at the height of his career. The picture depicts a scene from the Monroe County Appeal, a small town newspaper located in Paris, Missouri. The bustling office contains nine characters all working towards the publication of the day's paper. With the typewriters on the desks, one can imagine the clinging of the bell every time a journalist reaches the end of a line. The picture of a serviceman on the wall indicates that it is wartime or shortly after the war's end. Rockwell himself is in this painting at the far right with a portfolio of artwork under his arm. A man in overalls indicates it is a rural rather than urban newspaper. A man wearing an apron and sailor hat appears to be running, indicating that the paper is working towards a deadline. The man in the chair reading the newspaper seems to be oblivious to everyone else.
Norman Rockwell Visits a Country Editor hung in the office of the National Press Club for decades, a gift from the artist. The piece was sold at Christy's Auction House on November 19, 2015 to the tune of $10.2 million. Proceeds from the sale went to the National Press Club Journalism Institute to support its programs. As Barbara Cochran explained: "At a time in which the noble tradition of community based journalism is being challenged by societal and technological transformation, Norman Rockwell's charming and realistic portrayal of a country editor and team of journalists diligently working to share the news of the day with their community readers, epitomizes the attributes of American journalism and its contribution to the life of America."(http://www.christies.com/about/press-center/releases/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=8079)
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