Ichabod Crane 19 6/8 x 25 3/8 Artist Proof

Originally created in 1937, Ichabod Crane was hand proofed and printed by Circle Gallery. The lithograph measures 26 by 20 inches, and the edition consists of 295 impressions. 200 were numbered and 60 artist proofs were signed in pencil by Norman Rockwell. An additional 35 prints were pencil signed and designated with roman numerals.

In 1936, George Macy commissioned Rockwell to illustrate new editions of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Eager to repeat Rockwell's success with additional titles, Macy encouraged Rockwell to explore other subjects for illustrated books. Rockwell began work on a series of pictures of characters in American fiction. As one of the first in the series, he chose Ichabod Crane, the schoolmaster from the 1819 Washington Irving story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

When recalling the illustration, Rockwell wrote that "Years ago I decided to do a series of pictures of the celebrated characters of American fiction. The series was to be published as a book, each picture accompanied by an excerpt from the work in which the character figured. I painted Ichabod Crane and Captain Ahab and then gave up the series, partly because I had lost interest in it and partly because I disliked the idea of a book of excerpts." -Norman Rockwell from Arthur L. Guptill's Norman Rockwell Illustrator

The purchase of any limited edition Norman Rockwell prints is accompanied by an Authenticity Certificate signed by our Museum Director, a complimentary one-year Museum family membership, and care and handling instructions for the print. Payment plans are available. All hand signed reproduction print purchases contribute directly to the Norman Rockwell Museum to preserve and present the art and legacy of Norman Rockwell. Please contact us for more information at 413.931.2237 or 800.742.9450 Or Email: MDuffy@nrm.org