First Shave by Norman Rockwell

April 1919 Issue of Farm And Fireside

First Shave, this Norman Rockwell painting, appeared on the cover of Farm And Fireside published April 1919.

This was the second cover by Rockwell to appear on Farm And Fireside. Only five Rockwell covers were published by this magazine. Rockwell only submitted to this smaller magazine after the bigger publishers had declined to publish the cover illustration.

As anyone can see by his career, Rockwell's preference and first choice was The Saturday Evening Post. He correctly knew that the Post cover was America's biggest showcase window for artists.

The original oil painting is part of the collection of the National Museum of American Illustration.

This painting also appears in one Rockwell commentary book. It appears on page 30 of Norman Rockwell, A Definitive Catalogue by Laurie Norton Moffatt.

First Shave

All but one of the Farm And Fireside covers that Rockwell painted evoke childhood memories. He captures both pleasant and not-so-pleasant memories, sometimes all in the same painting. This painting is one of those that captures both.

Who can forget the thrill and sense of accomplishment of that first shave? After all, though it takes no real talent to grow facial hair, the event does indicate a certain coming of age.

That first shave also is also proof positive that the shaver is concerned about his appearance. Is there a special girl on this shaver's mind as he scrapes away at his fledgling whiskers? Or is he just hoping to meet that one special girl? Could it even be more than one?

The little dog (partially obscured by the mailing label) is looking directly at the viewer. I'm sure he doesn't understand why his otherwise sensible boy is mutilating his own face with that straight-edge razor. After all, a furry face is a happy face to a dog.

Having never used a straight-edge razor, most of us can only imagine the nicks and scrapes of this first shave. I have read that this type of razor gives the best, closest shave possible. But a close, comfortable shave would be possible only after somewhat mastering the manipulation of the razor. The boy's grimacing face informs us that he has not mastered this with his first try.

As exciting as that first shave was, whether yesterday or fifty years ago, few of us get excited about a shave after it has become routine.

Norman Rockwell clearly conveys his subject matter to his target audience in this illustration.

Sorry about the mailing label. Rockwell Farm And Fireside covers are rare collectibles and very hard to find. I am pleased to even own one with a mailing label. Please contact me if you have any to sell.

Sailor Dreaming of Girlfriend	World War One Soldier Marching with Children	Courting Couple at Midnight
The Party Favor	The Valedictorian	Boys Playing Leapfrog
Boy Chasing Dog With Pants	Boy Asleep With Hoe	Man Leaving Work to Go Golfing
Boy on Stilts	Grandfather and Snowman

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