The Toy Maker by Norman Rockwell

November 20, 1920 Issue of The Literary Digest

The Toy Maker, this Norman Rockwell painting, appeared on the cover of The Literary Digest published November 20, 1920.

The alternate title for this work is Commuter Rush.

This illustration was Rockwell's twentieth picture featured on the cover of The Literary Digest.

Rockwell artwork was featured on the cover of The Digest nine times just in 1920 alone.

Starting in 1918 with the first cover, Boy Showing Off Badges to the last, The Night Before Christmas in 1923, The Literary Digest featured Rockwell artwork on its cover a total of forty-seven times.

This painting also appears on page 54 of Norman Rockwell, A Definitive Catalogue by Laurie Norton Moffatt.

The original oil on canvas painting, 28 x 24 inches or 71 x 61 cm, is part of a private collection.

The Toy Maker

Norman Rockwell takes us into the world of making toys in this illustration. Of course, anyone who likes painting children as much as Rockwell could hardly resist this topic.

This issue was published just before the Christmas season. Retailers had not lengthened the Christmas season into two and a half months in the 1920's.

The toy maker has just finished another toy in this painting. The paint on the toy isn't even dry yet. He still holds the paint brush in one hand. His helper, the young boy, holds the paint can for him.

The amazed look on the little girl's face and the stance of the dog confirm that this toy is indeed moving. The red and white bowling pins attached to his hands are most likely spinning around.

His carving tools are one the table. Red and white paint splotches are on the floor. Satisfaction covers the kindly old toy maker's face.

The little girls contentment is all the gratification he needs.

Little Boy Writing Letter	The Novice Skater	The Departing Maid
Boy With Dog in Picnic Basket	Boy Sending Dog Home	Trio in Early Motorcar
Cave of the Winds	Man and Woman Seated Back to Back	Grandfather Frightened by Jack-O-Lantern
Santa and Expense Book

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