Norman Rockwell’s painting “New Television Antenna” is a reflection of the impact of television on American society in the mid-twentieth century. The painting shows a young man installing a TV antenna for an older man, and captures the moment when the new TV owner finally sees a picture on his set. The image portrays the birth and spread of television technology in America, and Rockwell’s favorite theme of the past meeting the future.
Rockwell’s artwork highlights the happiness experienced by new TV owners upon seeing a blurry black-and-white image. Rockwell, being an American author, painter, and illustrator, used his artwork to represent American culture. His paintings depicted society’s views on family, gender roles, and war in a unique and realistic manner.