1972
In 1960, Norman Rockwell created one of the most iconic self-portraits in American art, despite having previously appeared only in cameo roles on covers. The illustration appeared on the February 13, 1960, issue of the Saturday Evening Post, which featured the first installment of his autobiography.
Rockwell was quoted saying that his glasses appear opaque to convey that they were fogged, preventing him from seeing his true self—a homely, lanky fellow—allowing him to paint a more suave version of himself.
He added a note on his easel to not be deceived by appearances, recalling how he mistakenly thought a helmet he bought in Paris was ancient, only to find it was identical to those worn by modern French firefighters.
Other references hidden in the painting include portraits by Dürer, Rembrandt, Vang Gogh and Picasso. (ss)