Easter by Norman Rockwell

March 30, 1918 Issue of Leslie's

An alternate title for this illustration is Soldier Watering Tulips.

This was the fifth cover by Rockwell to appear on Leslie's and the only one in 1918. Only six Rockwell covers were published by Leslie's from 1916 to 1919. Rockwell only submitted to this smaller magazine after the bigger publishers had declined to publish the cover illustration.

Rockwell's preference and his first choice of publication was The Saturday Evening Post. He believed, and his career showed, that the cover of the Post was America's biggest showcase window for artists.

Easter

This Norman Rockwell Easter illustration was published during the initial months after America entered World War I. The Great War had been raging in Europe since 1914, but America only officially entered into the fray in December 1917.

This may explain why the soldier is portrayed in a clean tidy uniform. He hasn't been there long for the war to get old yet.

This soldier is watering tulips that he has either found or replanted. He has carried the water for the tulips in his helmet.

Notice the red highlights on the right side of the painting. This lighting suggests light somewhere off the canvas. Either a campfire, a building burning or possible artillery fire is possible.

Rockwell took this opportunity to remind American readers of the soldiers in harm's way on Easter ...
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