The Photographs Behind Classic Norman Rockwell Paintings

Though January Jones' turn as Betty Draper certainly plays a part, few individuals can claim more of a hand in shaping Americans' perception of everyday life in the mid-20th century as Norman Rockwell. The painter's idyllic scenes often put a rosy-cheeked face on the world back then, but his work —in particular illustrations he did for The Post — could also be thought-provoking and even shocking in its day. Today we're indulging in a little nostalgia or the holidays with a look back at the photos that served as reference for some of Rockwell's most famous images.