Norman Rockwell was the quintessential painter of American life. His images reflect the history of America as told through the eyes of this idealistic and patriotic artist who sought to show America at its best, and to present the lives, hopes and dreams of the average American in the middle-20th century. Few artists have produced so many images that were seen by so many people either in person or through the innumerable reproductions, including popular magazine covers. "American Chronicles," both the exhibition and the fully illustrated catalogue, traces the evolution of Norman Rockwell's art and iconography throughout his career from carefully choreographed reflections of childhood innocence to consciousness-raising images dealing with important societal issues.