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Before The Shot (Study) Signed Print
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*This work, including all text, graphics, and designs, is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any part of this content without explicit permission from the copyright owner is strictly prohibited.
Details
Norman Rockwell (1894 -1978) Before the Shot/A Study For the Doctor's Office. 1958. Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post (March 15, 1958) Media print lithography on arches rag paper signed in pencil in the lower right. Artist proof edition XI/XXXV.
This is a limited edition print measuring 25” X 22” inches. 320 prints of this kind were produced. A set of 200 were numbered; another set of 35 were numbered with Roman numerals. A set of 60 were unnumbered; another set of 25 were unnumbered and printed on Japon paper. All of the prints produced were personally signed in graphite by Norman Rockwell.
This image was used as a study for The Saturday Evening Post cover on March 15, 1958. By 1958, Norman Rockwell had captured the ideal of the family doctor in numerous illustrations for magazine covers and for pharmaceutical and life insurance ads. Unlike his previous doctor paintings, Before the Shot is a more realistic depiction of everyday American life. The painting documents the common use of penicillin following its first use in treating soldiers' wounds during World War II. When describing his inspiration, Rockwell stated that "I guess everyone has sat in the doctor's office and examined his diplomas, wondering how good a doctor he was... This cover occasioned a great argument among my family and friends: how much of the boy's fanny should be showing. Some said more, some less. I finally locked the door of the studio and, after communing with myself for some time, lowered his pants to their present position, a compromise which avoids shocking nudity and yet reveals enough to provoke humor." -Norman Rockwell from The Norman Rockwell Album
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. 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
