This was painted by one of my favorite artists Norman Rockwell. I grew up seeing his art on Calendars, magazines and all types of memorialbilia. I have recently have been learning so much more about how great of an American artist he truely was.
Norman Rockwell heard President Franklin D Roosevelt speech to congress on January 6, 1941
. He was so moved and inspired that he created a series of four painting called The Four Freedoms. This painting of a multi generational family gathered at the table. They are together, happy and about to enjoy a feast. They are living in the moment .They are unencumbered by want or fear.
Just a little time before this picture was painted our country was in the deep depths of the great depression and europe was at war and we were just months from the attack on Pearl Harbor. President Roosevelt said" True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. "Necessitous men are not free men. People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff dictators are made of."
Norman Rockwell painted this idealistic hopful picture when the past was dark and the future looked even darker. This painting is the third of a series of four paintings and its called "Freedom of Want."
For a outstanding study guide of the Four freedoms I suggest you click here and read the four part series by Mary Lea-Cox of the Carnegie Council. I have it arranged so it starts with Freedom of Want a Study guide to the Four Freedoms"
I hope during this time of Thanksgiving that you are healthly and have safe travels and most importantly a joyful feast and Freedom from Want.