I Know That Face!

Here’s a test for Rockwell fans, do you recognize this man?

Norman Rockwell must have been captivated by the looks of James K. Van Brunt the day he showed up in Rockwell’s studio, pronouncing himself as a bold veteran of Fredericksburg and brave fighter of Indians forces. Standing 5 feet, 2 inches tall with a craggy face, knobby nose, and distinctive mustache, Van Brunt became one of Rockwell’s favorite models—posing for numerous covers. So many, in fact, that Post editors began to complain.

Rockwell eventually told Van Brunt he would no longer be able to use him as a model unless he shaved his mustache. He refused, then returned a couple weeks later and said he would do it for $10, which Rockwell paid. “I guess the notoriety he’d gained from posing for me had overcome his pride in his mustache,” said Rockwell. The result can be seen in The Old Sign Painter from February 6, 1926.

Do you recognize Van Brunt in the following covers?

: Jester
Norman Rockwell
February 11, 1939

: Crossword Puzzles
Norman Rockwell
January 31, 1925

: The Hobo
Norman Rockwell
October 18, 1924

: The Phrenologist
Norman Rockwell
March 27, 1926

: The Bookworm
Norman Rockwell
August 14, 1926

: Dreams of Long Ago
Norman Rockwell
August 13, 1927

: Gilding the Eagle
Norman Rockwell
May 26, 1928

: The Wedding March
Norman Rockwell
June 23, 1928

: The Three Gossiping Old Ladies
Norman Rockwell
January 12, 1929

Norman Rockwell

America’s Artist

Norman Rockwell didn’t create his celebrated images using only brush and paint. They often took shape first as scenes that Rockwell literally acted out. Showing their appreciation for his storytelling talents, film directors George Lucas and Steven Spielberg share their private Rockwell collections with the Smithsonian for the upcoming exhibit Telling Stories.