Lauren's Art Discourse

Homecoming Marine, Norman Rockwell, 1945, Oil on Canvas, Source: https://www.wikiart.org/en/norman-rockwell/homecoming-marine-1945

   Norman Rockwell’s 1945 painting Homecoming Marine reflects the ideas of heroism and hero worship in America in a time of war. The year in which the work was created shows that the Marine was likely a soldier in WWII. This is further evidenced by the flag that the Marine holds as well as the image of the star in the background. The flag that the Marine holds is the Rising Sun flag which was flown by the Japanese Navy during WWII. The framed star which is seen in the background was a WWII tradition. The blue star on a white background with a red border indicates that a family member served in the Armed Forces (and survived).

     The painting consists of 7 males, 5 adults and 2 children, seated in a mechanic’s garage. Based on their dress, the two males who are facing towards the viewer are mechanics who work at the garage on which the scene is taking place. The dress of the man in white indicates that he is likely a local public service official. All of the figures around the are looking at him, showing that he is the center of attention. The boy on the Marine’s right looks up at the Marine as if he is completely captivated by him. The older who is closest to us leans forward towards the Marine, showing keen interest in him. Altogether, this reflects a sense of hero worship.

     The general sense of heroism is reflected by various elements throughout the composition. One is the newspaper article on the wall in the background which contains an image of the Marine. The article labels him as “garageman and hero”. Not only does this literally and straightforwardly reflect his status as a hero (through the use of the term “hero”) , but it also reflects that he is a common man with a peaceful background, not a professional warrior, who went on to become a hero (through the use of the term “garageman”). The hero status of the Marine is also reflected by the various medals that he wears on his uniform showing the honorable degree to which he performed his duties as a soldier. The flag that is mentioned previously is also a reflection of his heroism in that it serves somewhat like a trophy for his accomplishments and service.