Barefoot Boy Daydreaming 1922

Norman Rockwell painted this oil on canvas, *Barefoot Boy Daydreaming,* and, while undated, it reflects a recurring theme in his work: an idealised vision of American life. It’s impossible to view this image without acknowledging the social and cultural context in which it was created. Rockwell’s works were famously reproduced in publications like *The Saturday Evening Post,* offering a particular view of American identity. Consider the symbolism – a young boy, carefree in nature, his dog loyally by his side. The bare feet and straw hat suggest a rejection of formality, in favour of simple pleasures. Rockwell was working at a time of immense social change. The art world was exploring abstraction and challenging tradition. Rockwell however, with his accessible and nostalgic imagery, cemented a place in the American popular imagination. To fully understand Rockwell’s impact, one must explore the periodicals he worked for, the advertising campaigns he was involved in, and the broader cultural landscape. By understanding the context, we can better interpret his version of America.