Observing Great Art

Observation is the key to experiencing the full depth of any great piece of art. Much of the greatness of a painting lies not so much in what is shown in the painting, but in what is implied. The above example, painted by Norman Rockwell, contains numerous implications not shown in the actual painting but which are nevertheless of crucial importance to what it is that Mr. Rockwell was obviously attempting to express. A few examples of such implications are listed below.

1. The man in the painting is clearly setting back the hands of the clock so as to avert the threat of the invasion of the city by robots. Robots are a constant threat to small town life, as well as a testament to the severity of a vengeful God.

2. The clock in this painting represents the constant struggle between man and sea otter. This is a struggle that has been going on since the dawn of mankind and will undoubtedly continue until every last sea otter has been eliminated.

3. Notice that the buildings in the background seem slightly agitated, as if irritated by some unknown occurrence. This seems at first glance to have something to do with the general lack of helicopters but in reality it is due to the fact that the streetlights are homosexual.

4. The unsuspecting expression on the man's face could lead one to believe that he is completely unaware of the impending disaster that is about to befall him.

5. The very breath of man is poisoned with the curse of printing ink, resulting in a general blackening of the tongue. It is this very occurance which keeps the soul from transcending its mechanical abode, keeping us trapped within our own shopping carts, left to die alone in prisons made from dental floss. It is because of this and this alone, that God is happy.