Back to School 

Norman Rockwell painted “Back to School” during the mid-20th century, a period marked by idealized representations of American life. Here, we see a child with a slate board, a symbol of education, trudging past discarded Christmas decorations. His face bears an expression of reluctance, perhaps even sorrow. Rockwell, celebrated for his depictions of everyday life, frequently captured children at the cusp of adulthood, dealing with complicated emotions. The discarded Christmas tree symbolizes the end of a season of joy and the somber return to routine. The child’s worn clothing and tearful expression evoke feelings of sympathy and concern. Rockwell's sentimental approach, while seemingly straightforward, touches on themes of childhood innocence, the passage of time, and the economic realities that shape individual experiences. Through this image, Rockwell asks us to reflect on how we remember and commemorate moments of transition in our own lives.