Modern Art in the Twentieth Century

Last month, we asked our virtual visitors to reflect back on art of the twentieth century and share their opinions.

In our feature on Norman Rockwell's birthday last month, we quoted critic Richard Lacayo, who wondered "what twentieth century art might have been like if it had not been so quick to put aside anecdote, draftsmanship and the raptures of watching paint do its dead-on imitations of other stuff. In short, what it might have been like if it valued more what Rockwell did."

One of our virtual visitors, Mr. Dan Davies, responded: "Opinions on art are fleeting, but the art itself endures, outliving the many shades of opinion that cover it from time to time, emerging as if newly discovered. Isn't it fortunate that Rockwell, for one, paid little heed to those who trod on his work? We, the current benefactors, wearing obscure shades of our own, see these treasures as only we can. . . . This, too, the works will survive. Thanks Norman."

Pictured: Norman Rockwell (1894–1978), Homecoming,1924, oil, 23 3/4 x 19 3/4 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Partial and promised gift of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Hollander.