Sheds light on the unbreakable thread connecting American illustration and legendary artists Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth, and Norman Rockwell to the roots of European painting through the long line of teachers, who have, through the centuries, passed along the wisdom, knowledge, and techniques of the ages to the next generation of creators.

For centuries, artists have depicted the diverse and intimate nature of humans’ relationship to animals. Wild and domestic beasts have served as deities and food sources; as objects of ornament or sacrifice; as companion or curiosity. Works from the Williams College Museum of Art’s encyclopedic collection explore the representation of animals in art and artifacts across time and across the globe.

This survey presentation includes art from the Dillon's two Caldecott books as well as numerous other picture book titles.

Over 350 materials, including more than 30 costumes and accessories, over 200 photographs, five original antique costume trunks, and a dozen original artworks from both the Jacob’s Pillow Archives and Williams College Special Collections, the exhibition contextualizes the pioneering work of Shawn and St. Denis within the scope of American art history through artifacts that have never been seen before.

Keepers of the Flame: Parrish, Wyeth, Rockwell and the Narrative Tradition, sheds light on the unbreakable thread connecting American illustration and legendary artists Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth, and Norman Rockwell to the roots of European painting through the long line of teachers, who have, through the centuries, passed along the wisdom, knowledge, and techniques of the ages to the next generation of creators.

Explore Norman Rockwell’s original Stockbridge studio, reinstalled to look as it did in 1960, when the artist was working on his iconic Golden Rule painting.