1958 United Nations Human Rights Day Norman Rockwell Freedom of Speech

Date: 1958
Artist: Rockwell, Norman      
Size (in): 24” x 18”
Size (cm): 61 cm x 46 cm
Condition: B+
Linen backed: No  

This vintage original poster featuring Norman Rockwell’s Freedom of Speech artwork was issued by the United States National Commission for UNESCO on the occasion of United Nations Human Rights Day and the tenth anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  The year isn’t given but the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights was issued on December 10, 1948 so thus the date.  

Text across the top of the poster reads Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression.   Text at the bottom of the poster quotes President Dwight D. Eisenhower and reads “For the people of the United States as well as for people everywhere, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a significant beacon in the steady march towards achieving human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.” 

Rockwell’s Freedom of Speech artwork used for the poster comes from his Four Freedoms series of posters issued during WWII.  The Four Freedoms were articulated by President Roosevelt during his February 1941 State of the Union speech given a few weeks after the attack of Pearl Harbor and America’s entry into WWII. The Four Freedoms – Freedom of Speech, Freedom From Fear, Freedom from Want and Freedom of Worship – became symbolic representations returned to again and again throughout the war of what America and the Allies were fighting for during WWII.  In this case, freedom of opinion and expression is articulated as a tenet of the basic human rights put forth in the 1948 UN declaration.   

This vintage original poster is free of tape or pinholes and shows only light handling wear and some toning mostly around the edges and on the back of the poster.  Overall condition is very good.