Labor day~a tribute to workers through art

I ran this post last Labor Day, but thought the art was lovely enough for a second viewing.

Labor Day is a holiday often thought of as the last day of summer vacation. The time to put away the white shoes, pack a picnic, and enjoy a day outdoors away from work.

Everyday I am blessed by someone working somewhere. Many of my favorite paintings are images of everyday people hard at work.

For the teachers, I love "The Naughty Schoolchildren" by French artist Theophile Emmanuel Duverger. Édouard Manet was a French impressionist painter famous for his depictions of everyday life. This 1882 oil painting is entitled "A Bar at the Folies-Bergère". It now resides at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London.

Edgar Degas, who is famous for his paintings of ballerina's, captured a female hat maker in the 1885 painting entitled "The Millinery Shop". It currently hangs in the Art Institute of Chicago.

One of my favorite portraits of a nurse is "Albertine at the Police Doctor's Waiting Room" painted by Norwegian artist Christian Krohg between 1886~1887.

A sweet picture by French artist Vincent Jean Baptiste Chevilliard is "The Priest's Birthday.

The Farmer's Daughter was painted by English artist Sir John Everett Millais in 1863. Millais has many other famous paintings such as "Ophelia" and "The Order of Release".

Also by Millais is "The Rescue" depicting a fireman rescuing three children.

Joseph Christian Leyendecker was born in Germany but immigrated to America in 1882. He became one of America's most prolific illustrators. He produced over 300 covers for the Saturday Evening Post alone. A favorite is "Motorcycle Cop and Kids" from June 1922.

Of course it is only fitting that one of America's most beloved artists, who was also a great illustrator, be chosen to represent artwork depicting our United States Service Members. Norman Rockwell remains an iconic American artist beloved by millions around the world.

This post is dedicated to those who make my life a little easier, enlightened, safer and truly worth living. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Have a Happy Holiday!