Shelburne Museum announces the acquisition of three important works by renowned American illustrator Norman Rockwell (1894–1978), expanding its distinguished collection of American art. The paintings—Kneeling Girl (1955), The Craftsman (1962), and the accompanying preliminary sketch for The Craftsman—were originally commissioned by Rock of Ages Corporation as part of mid-century advertising campaigns celebrating the artistry and craftsmanship of Vermont’s granite industry. Rock of Ages and its parent company, Polycor Inc., have generously gifted the works to the museum, ensuring their wider appreciation by the public.
“We are honored to welcome these significant works into Shelburne Museum’s collection,” said Thomas Denenberg, the John Wilmerding Director of Shelburne Museum. “Norman Rockwell’s ability to blend artistry with storytelling is unparalleled, and these paintings offer a unique glimpse into both his creative process and Vermont’s industrial heritage. The generosity of Polycor Inc. of Quebec City, Canada, and the Rock of Ages Corporation allows us to share these masterpieces with the public and highlight the craftsmanship that defines Vermont’s history.”
Norman Rockwell is one of the best-known American illustrators, renowned for an idealized view of 20th-century life with his unparalleled skill in visual storytelling. Over a career spanning six decades, Rockwell created more than 4,000 works, including iconic covers for The Saturday Evening Post and Look magazines. His work transcended its original role as commercial illustration, becoming enduring symbols of American art. Today, Rockwell’s work is housed in major museums across the country, a testament to his profound influence as a master.
“We are proud to gift to Shelburne Museum three important works by Norman Rockwell. These unique works that once hung in the Rock of Ages main office in Graniteville, Vermont, document the proud legacy of the granite industry in the state. We could wish for no better steward of them than Shelburne Museum,” said Michael Sylvester, President, North American Granite, PolycorInc.
The connection between Rockwell and Rock of Ages began in 1955 with Kneeling Girl. Featuring a young girl kneeling before a gravestone, this painting became part of a successful advertising campaign for the company through the artist’s ability to convey deep emotion through his art, resonating with a post-war audience.
In 1962, Rock of Ages approached Rockwell for another commission commemorating the artistry of their headstones. After visiting the facility, Rockwell approached one of their longtime employees, George Seivwright (Scottish-American, 1887-1966), to model for the work. The resulting painting, The Craftsman, captures Seivwright posed at the Rock of Ages facility in a moment of quiet focus and dignity, portraying the stonecutter engraving a headstone while a carved angel looks over his shoulder. Seivwright’s connection to the community, combined with Rockwell’s meticulous attention to detail, imbues the work with authenticity and depth. The artist even included a playful nod to himself: the name “Norwell” engraved on the depicted headstone.
Rockwell’s mastery is evident in the thoughtful use of light and texture, with thick impasto strokes that bring The Craftsman to life. The work celebrates not only Vermont’s granite industry but also the personal stories and dedication of its workers, underscoring Rockwell’s ability to humanize his subjects while honoring their craft.
Visitors to Shelburne Museum can see how the work evolved from initial idea to finished masterpiece as both The Craftsman and its preliminary sketch will be on view in the museum’s Webb Gallery of American Art this season. (The museum reopens to the public on May 10.)
Image credit:
Norman Rockwell, The Craftsman, 1962. Oil on canvas, 47 1/4 x 38 1/4 in. Collection of Shelburne Museum, gift of Polycor Inc. and Rock of Ages Corporation. 2024-12.1. Photography by Andy Duback.
Hi-resolution images available HERE.
You can download a PDF of the Press Release HERE
About Shelburne Museum
Founded in 1947 by trailblazing folk art collector Electra Havemeyer Webb (1888–1960), Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont, is the largest art and history museum in northern New England and Vermont’s foremost public resource for visual art and material culture. The Museum’s 45-acre campus is comprised of 39 buildings including the Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education and Webb Gallery featuring important American paintings by Andrew Wyeth, Winslow Homer, Anna Mary Robertson “Grandma” Moses, John Singleton Copley and many more. For more information, please visit shelburnemuseum.org.
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