Thanksgiving Day is a unique holiday that brings families together for a celebratory feast. Norman Rockwell’s 1942 painting, “Freedom from Want,” famously captures this holiday, portraying a multigenerational family gathered around an abundant dinner table. However, this image struck a discordant note for soldiers enduring food shortages in war zones at the time.
“Freedom from Want” is one of four paintings commissioned to honor Franklin D. Roosevelt’s January 1941 “Four Freedoms” speech.
Origins
Rockwell’s portrayal of a loving family gathered for Thanksgiving dinner has become an iconic image for many Americans. He meticulously crafted every detail, from the gleaming china to the clear water in the glasses, and skillfully depicted textures, such as the wrinkles in the white tablecloth.
Though painted in 1943, this artwork has become emblematic of the Thanksgiving holiday. Commissioned by the Saturday Evening Post to coincide with Roosevelt’s 1941 State of the Union Address, which emphasized “Four Freedoms,” it has since become associated with the quintessential American holiday experience.
Creative Process
Rockwell’s paintings often idealized American life, and he took great care in rendering each element of “Freedom from Want” precisely as he envisioned. He spent hours perfecting every expression, posture, and prop in the scene.
In the painting, family members gather around a Thanksgiving table filled with traditional dishes, though one man appears somewhat skeptical of the celebration. Rockwell used a photograph of a Marine from Arlington Town Square, Vermont, as a reference for this 1942 painting. He often relied on photographs to ensure the accuracy of poses, backgrounds, and even the smallest details. Rockwell was known for his meticulous approach, even going so far as to clean his brushes with Ivory soap and searching his studio floor for stray bristles.
Wartime Inspiration
Although Rockwell did not serve in the military, he felt compelled to contribute to the war effort. Inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1941 State of the Union Address, in which Roosevelt outlined four fundamental freedoms—freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear—Rockwell created “The Four Freedoms” series.
“Freedom from Want,” depicting a family enjoying a Thanksgiving meal, was painted during a time of American isolationism but has since come to represent the peace and unity of a family celebration.
Rockwell’s models for the painting were his friends and family from Arlington, Vermont. Each person was individually photographed before being painted into the scene, with Mrs. Thaddeus Wheaton famously serving the turkey.
Parodies
Over time, social and cultural landscapes have shifted dramatically, yet Rockwell’s painting remains a significant cultural reference. Some view the painting as an idealized reflection of American values, a perspective that continues to resonate today.
The original painting was first published in the Saturday Evening Post on March 6, 1943, as part of Rockwell’s “Four Freedoms” series, inspired by Roosevelt’s 1941 State of the Union Address.
“Freedom from Want” has become a staple in popular culture, referenced in shows like The Simpsons and Modern Family, and parodied for its exaggerated depiction of a nuclear American family. The painting has also inspired various artists and brands, solidifying its place as an enduring symbol in American art.
