Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) Portrait of Bob Hope, 1954 Study for cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post (February 13, 1954) Pencil on paper Norman Rockwell Museum Collection, NRACT.1973.017
Actor and comedian Bob Hope had an extremely recognizable face with his long thin nose, well-defined jaw with its cleft-chin, and expressive eyes and eyebrows. Hope could manipulate his features to give emphasis to his cracks and quips.
Norman Rockwell was commission to create this portrait of Bob Hope in 1954, when the performer, assisted by author Pete Martin, published his biography, Have Tux, Will Travel: Bob Hope’s Own Story. In advance of the book’s publication, the Post published “Bob Hope Tells His Own Story: This Is On Me” in the February 13 issue of The Saturday Evening Post that year. Rockwell’s painted cover portrait of the performer was derived from this drawing. It is the initial drawing that is a fabulous piece of draftsmanship. Done in pencil on paper, this portrait of Hope shows Rockwell’s skill with pencil and his ability to reveal a person’s features and something of his character without delving into caricature.
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