Young Lawyer 1927

Norman Rockwell made this painting, 'Young Lawyer', in 1927, and I imagine it began with thin layers of paint, a gradual build-up, where each layer informs the next. I sympathize with Rockwell wanting to capture a tender moment of a young man lost in his thoughts. I can almost feel the weight of those law books! He's resting on what looks like a barrel, surrounded by portraits of Lincoln, and it gives the impression he looks up to him as some kind of ideal. The dark colours of the books contrast with the bright white of the canvas, and the lamp light creates an atmosphere of quiet reflection. It's all about the surface, the texture of the barrel, the worn pages of the books, and the young man's gaze, which speaks volumes without saying a word. It reminds me of other narrative painters who focus on capturing everyday moments. It suggests Rockwell was in conversation with them through paint, each influencing the other's work.