“Four Seasons Calendar – Grandpa and Me”

WINTER 1948

IT IS CRUCIAL TO THIS LITTLE SUITE of seasonal paintings that Rockwell depicts Grandpa at his most vigorous in a setting of ice and snow. Nothing could be better calculated to show the youthfulness of his spirit. On a day that should send him scurrying to the fireside with aching bones, he dazzles his grandson with his skill on skates.

The atmosphere of the other paintings in this group is tranquil. This one is full of movement. In the others the grandfather is lost in contemplation. In this one he is allowed a triumphant smile as he glances down at the perfect figure eight he has executed.