Freedom of Speech was the first of a series of four oil paintings, entitled Four Freedoms, by Norman Rockwell. The works were inspired by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a State of the Union Address, known as Four Freedoms, delivered to the 77th United States Congress on January 6, 1941. [ 4 ]

The Metropolitan's painting is one of several preliminary studies for Freedom of Speech based on Rockwell's favorable impressions of a town meeting he attended in his hometown, Arlington, Vermont. This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

“Freedom of Speech” portrays a poignant scene inside what appears to be a local town meeting or public forum. At the center stands a young man, evidently in the act of speaking to the assembly. His expression is earnest and resolute, signifying the gravity of his statement.

Feb 23, 2024 · Norman Rockwell, renowned for capturing the essence of American life, used oil on canvas to bring Roosevelt’s principle of freedom of speech to life. He portrayed ordinary Vermont neighbors engaged in a town meeting, a scene that underscored the ability to speak one’s mind without fear.

Jan 3, 2019 · Norman Rockwell attended that Arlington town meeting in January 1941. Most citizens present were in favor of John Fisher’s proposal. But Rockwell’s neighbor, a farmer named Jim Edgerton, rose to speak against the proposal.

While considering his options, Rockwell by chance attended a town meeting where a Vermont neighbor was met with respect when he rose among his neighbors to voice an unpopular view. That night he awoke with the realization that he could best paint the Four Freedoms from the perspective of his own experiences, using everyday scenes as his guide.

They are attending a community meeting. Because MONT is visible on the paper, it may be a town meeting in Vermont. Ask students to describe the expression on the speaker’s face.

Norman Rockwell created a series of four paintings inspired by a speech given by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In the speech Roosevelt shared his vision for post war America, a country whose citizens would have freedom from want, freedom from fear, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech.

Jan 31, 2024 · Created in 1943, the painting illustrates a scene where a young worker stands up to speak at a town meeting. The scene is emblematic of the right to freedom of expression, irrespective of social status.

In "Freedom of Speech," Rockwell depicts an ordinary man, standing amongst neighbors at a town meeting and speaking his mind. Rockwell's neighbor, Jim Edgerton, served as inspiration for the figure. "Freedom from Want" shows members of …