Norman Rockwell Autographed Letter

Q: While driving in the countryside in the late 1970s, I came across a perfect Norman Rockwell scene—a little girl with her lemonade stand and two utility workers standing there sipping their cups of lemonade. I wrote to Rockwell and described this as “a perfect Norman Rockwell” scene. He wrote back to thank me and said public interest in his work had waned. The letter is typed on his personal stationary and signed in ink. I’m downsizing and would like to know the value of this letter.

A: Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) became famous for his magazine covers, illustration, and advertising art. Many of his paintings were later reproduced and sold as prints. The value of an autographed letter depends on the importance of the person who signed it and the rarity of his signature. A letter that is handwritten and hand signed is worth more than a typed letter with a handwritten signature. The content of the letter also affects value. Condition and authenticity are also important. Typewritten letters signed by Norman Rockwell sell for about $100, but since his paintings are going for higher and higher prices, perhaps the autographs will go up in value. The content of the letter is very interesting.