Hallmark Keepsake Ornament

1984 Norman Rockwell

1984 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament

QX2511

1984 Norman Rockwell 1984 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament QX2511 This 1984 Hallmark Christmas Ornament is a frosted gold glass ball, with gold metal cap and clear plastic sleeve, featuring three Norman Rockwell illustrations from his "Dickensian Series," and the sentiment: "Good friends, good times, good health, good cheer And happy days throughout the year! FROM THE NORMAN ROCKWELL COLLECTION 1984." The first one is of Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, from his 1934 piece, called "God Bless Us Everyone," and the middle panel is a slightly different version of his 1923 Saturday Evening Post cover, called "The Christmas Trio," showing two street musicians with a caroler. The last illustration is derived from his 1932 "Merrie Christmas," sometimes labeled as the "Market Woman," featuring an older lady coming home from the market, holding a basket in each arm, overflowing with holiday treats - a ready-to-cook goose, drink bottles, and festive foods. The image was inspired by his neighbors' generosity following the birth of his son the year before and symbolized a vision of abundance, as America continued to deal with the poverty of the Great Depression. The ornament is packaged in the original "window" box, viewable from all sides, so you can see the entire bulb. Fun Fact: In 1920, George Horace Lorimer, the Editor of the Saturday Evening Post, was a big fan of Charles Dickens' work, and approved the idea for this series. Rockwell dedicated his first illustration to him, issued in December 1921, which was also named, "Merrie Christmas," and featured a jocular man wearing a 19th-century hat and holding a cane. Disclaimer: As with many older glass ball ornaments, it may have developed "age spots," which is normal with older ornaments. NOTE: Golden glass balls have a tendency to develop more age spots than white, frosted, or chrome balls, and this is normal aging for that material. Norman Percevel Rockwell (1894–1978), the American painter and illustrator, is most famous for the decades of magazine covers he created for The Saturday Evening Post, showing a sentimental and now, nostalgic, view of American life. Also notable is his long-lasting relationship with the Boy Scouts of America's publication "Boys' Life" (now known as "Scout Life"). A prolific artist, he produced over 4,000 original works in his lifetime, most of which are now in public collections. After graduating with a scholarship in Graphic Arts, Diana McGehee completed an internship and was hired in 1977 by Hallmark as a production artist in the book division. Then, in 1983, she moved to the new division, "Trim A Home," which later became the Keepsake Ornament department, where she created 29 ornaments, including several cameos, and worked as a Senior Production Artist, until leaving in 2011. Her early work interpreted famous art, like Norman Rockwell's paintings and illustration, while her later endeavors translated religious icons and North Pole lifestyle into magical inspirations. Material: Glass, metal, and plastic Artist: Diana McGehee Size: 3.667" H x 2.876" D