Getting Ready for a Date

Norman Rockwell, artist

1894–1978

Getting Ready for a Date, 1949

Where object was made: United States

Material/technique: panel; oil

Dimensions:
Canvas/Support (Height x Width x Depth): 87.6 x 85.1 cm
Canvas/Support (Height x Width x Depth): 34 1/2 x 33 1/2 in
Frame Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 48 1/4 x 46 1/4 x 2 1/4 in
Weight (Weight): 38 lbs

Credit line: Gift of Ben Hibbs, 1923 graduate-Journalism

Accession number: 1950.0010.05

Not on display

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Label texts

Despite our country’s increasing diversity, the picture perfect image of the white, suburban, heterosexual relationship serves as the model for life in America, playing a role in how the American Dream is perceived. Norman Rockwell and Elizabeth Layton emphasize this narrow ideal in the couples they portray, as it begins with vibrantly painted adolescence and flourishes into old age.
—Ian Thomas

Archive Label 1999:
This painting was on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post on September 24, 1949. It was given to the University by Ben Hibbs, the editor of the magazine.