Lucas and Spielberg on Norman Rockwell

Mecklenberg said that Rockwell's paintings often show an America that wears its heart and morals on its sleeves — and that the artist always had something to say. Spielberg agreed: "He had a tremendous respect for the virtues of mankind. And there was a morality to his work. And there was a real sense of community, of family, and especially of nation. And, you know, I'm very proud of all the work that he did, because I can then bring some of those paintings (or certainly some of the illustrations from all the books) into my children's lives."

Credit: "Spirit of America," 1929; Collection of Steven Spielberg; ? Brown and Bigelow, Photo ? 2010 American Illustrators Gallery NYC.