Barbershops and Essays

My first college writing assignment was to write an art critique of a painting or photograph of my choice. I chose to write about Norman Rockwell's Shuffleton's Barbershop (shown below). I really enjoyed writing this, especially because it reminds me of my Pappaw's barbershop, who I miss dearly. Anyway, on to the essay!

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Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Small Town Values

A look at Norman Rockwell's Shuffleton's Barbershop

Shuffleton’s Barbershop (see fig. 1) by Norman Rockwell is an iconic view into small town America. Painted as a cover for The Saturday Evening Post in 1950, the original canvas now resides in Massachusetts’ Berkshire Museum. This beautiful work was inspired by a photograph of a barbershop near Rockwell’s home (see fig. 2). Rockwell uses oil on canvas to bring out the warmth of the scene, focusing on the men playing their instruments in the back room. This painting idealizes the values of small town America in 1950.

The men seem to value independence. A patriotic poster is proudly displayed on the walls, and a rifle is propped against a nearby shelf. The words on the outside of the window, “Shuffleton Prop.” announce to us that one of the musicians owns the shop. Even how the painting is viewed, from outside of a window, makes it appear that the barbershop is its own world. This is enhanced by the smoky tint on the back window, which encloses the view, focusing the viewer’s gaze on the interior of the shop.

The concept of hard work seems to be especially prevalent in this painting. President Truman, who was president in 1950, said, “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” Scattered throughout the scene is evidence that these men are at the end of a long day of work. A well worn broom leans against the doorframe, and the barber’s brush and razor are put away. Shoes and boots are by the fire, and coats have been hung up. The barber’s chair is empty, and even the cat seems to be resting. 

Shuffleton’s Barbershop expresses a feeling of community. Rockwell makes masterful use of warm lighting to emphasize the home-like atmosphere of the scene. The barbershop is a gathering place where stories are swapped, friendships are made, and a community is formed. Even at nighttime in cold weather, the barbershop is still a meeting place for friends. This unity and diversity is illustrated by the variety of instruments played by the musicians. Barbers bring people together; they know everyone, and everyone knows them.

Through Shuffleton’s Barbershop, Norman Rockwell illustrates the value of independence, hard work, and community. At the same time, it begs a question. Will our generation strive for the same values, or will we define our own ideals?