Irving Norman – Truth Be Told

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Irving Norman's masterpiece, "The Human Condition," from 1980, draws upon the artist's lifetime of acquired experiences and knowledge. Surviving as a volunteer fighter during the Spanish Civil War, the artist returned to the United States after the loyalist defeat. Upon his return, fervent studio practice in Half Moon Bay, California, would become his life's devotion. <br> <br>The present work, a nearly 16-foot-wide triptych, is reminiscent of Hieronymus Bosch's triptych, "The Garden of Earthly Delights," c. 1510. The dystopian vision portrayed in 'The Human Condition" is a warning - a lesson from the European dictatorships Norman experienced firsthand during the 1930s. Disturbing tableaus show the darkness of humanity and the evil that can rise to prominence when humanity is at its worst. There is hope, however, in the experience of the viewer: Norman thought of his audience as the greatest hope for humankind.
IRVING NORMAN
The Human Condition
1980-1981
120 x 182 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - To Have and Have Not, Charity Gala - oil on canvas - 92 x 104 in.
IRVING NORMAN
To Have and Have Not, Charity Gala
1979-1980
92 x 104 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Funeral of the Gods - oil on canvas - 90 x 110 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Funeral of the Gods
1968
90 x 110 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Interrelations - oil on canvas - 120 x 80 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Interrelations
1973
120 x 80 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - The Academy - oil on canvas - 110 x 90 in.
IRVING NORMAN
The Academy
1975-1976
110 x 90 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - The Summit, The Ultimate Summit - oil on canvas - 120 x 80 in.
IRVING NORMAN
The Summit, The Ultimate Summit
1978
120 x 80 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Farewell - oil on canvas - 90 x 100 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Farewell
1972
90 x 100 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - M.F.I. Complex - oil on canvas - 100 x 76 in.
IRVING NORMAN
M.F.I. Complex
1981
100 x 76 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Students - oil on canvas - 110 x 72 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Students
1976
110 x 72 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Supreme Justice - oil on canvas - 100 x 76 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Supreme Justice
1974
100 x 76 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - To the Unknown - oil on canvas - 96 x 72 in.
IRVING NORMAN
To the Unknown
1977
96 x 72 in.
oil on canvas

Irving Norman was an American painter whose works examined modern civilization and the human condition. Norman conceived his paintings as public works that bore witness to history and systems of power. He was influenced by his experiences as a Polish immigrant, as a defender of the Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War, and as an observer of the conflicts in the 20th century. The Palace has been exhibited at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, the Pasadena Museum of California Art, the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art at Utah State University, and Katzen Arts Center at American University in Washington D.C. Heather James is proud to represent the estate of Irving Norman.
IRVING NORMAN
The Palace
1959
90 x 60 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Air Raid Shelter - oil on canvas - 100 x 64 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Air Raid Shelter
1958-1977
100 x 64 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Children #2 - oil on canvas - 72 x 90 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Children #2
1971
72 x 90 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Monumental - oil on canvas - 90 x 64 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Monumental
1969
90 x 64 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Totems - oil on canvas - 72 x 110 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Totems
1972
72 x 110 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Man of Sorrow - oil on canvas - 84 x 60 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Man of Sorrow
1988
84 x 60 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Liberation War Prisoners - oil on canvas - 72 x 90 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Liberation War Prisoners
1970-1971
72 x 90 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - War Wounded - oil on canvas - 70 x 60 in.
IRVING NORMAN
War Wounded
1960
70 x 60 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Aspirations - oil on canvas - 90 x 54 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Aspirations
1967
90 x 54 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - City Image - oil on canvas - 124 x 44 in.
IRVING NORMAN
City Image
1961
124 x 44 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Draftee - oil on canvas - 100 x 38 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Draftee
1982
100 x 38 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Prison - oil on canvas - 56 x 46 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Prison
1951
56 x 46 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Prisoners - oil on canvas - 52 x 68 1/8 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Prisoners
1960
52 x 68 1/8 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - The Lawmakers, The Legislators - oil on canvas - 90 x 72 in.
IRVING NORMAN
The Lawmakers, The Legislators
1987
90 x 72 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Flight - oil on canvas - 60 x 74 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Flight
1955
60 x 74 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Thirty Pieces of Silver - oil on canvas - 90 x 54 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Thirty Pieces of Silver
1972
90 x 54 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - To Be Remembered - oil on canvas - 90 x 48 in.
IRVING NORMAN
To Be Remembered
1974
90 x 48 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Carousel Restaurant - oil on canvas - 60 x 72 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Carousel Restaurant
1982
60 x 72 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Cityscape - oil on canvas - 74 1/8 x 37 1/2 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Cityscape
1955
74 1/8 x 37 1/2 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Mining - oil on canvas - 40 x 84 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Mining
1986
40 x 84 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Totem of a Holy Family - oil on canvas - 90 x 19 3/4 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Totem of a Holy Family
1974
90 x 19 3/4 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Frosted Window - oil on canvas - 36 x 90 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Frosted Window
1984-1985
36 x 90 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Rural Family - oil on canvas - 36 x 72 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Rural Family
1986
36 x 72 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Crossing the Bridge - oil on canvas - 90 x 60 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Crossing the Bridge
1987
90 x 60 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Homeless 1 - oil on canvas - 48 x 60 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Homeless 1
1988
48 x 60 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Homeless 2 - oil on canvas - 72 x 36 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Homeless 2
1988
72 x 36 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Prisoner - oil on canvas - 54 x 20 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Prisoner
1950
54 x 20 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Slum Youth - oil on canvas - 44 1/4 x 20 1/4 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Slum Youth
1942
44 1/4 x 20 1/4 in.
oil on canvas

IRVING NORMAN - Strange Lovers (The Hard Marriage) - ink and colored pencil on paper - 22 3/4 x 29 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Strange Lovers (The Hard Marriage)
c. 1940's
22 3/4 x 29 in.
ink and colored pencil on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Striptease - pencil and colored pencil on paper - 30 x 20 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Striptease
c. 1945
30 x 20 in.
pencil and colored pencil on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Women Welders, The Ship - graphite on paper - 14 1/4 x 28 3/8 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Women Welders, The Ship
1943
14 1/4 x 28 3/8 in.
graphite on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Shrapnel - pen and ink on artists board - 29 3/4 x 20 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Shrapnel
29 3/4 x 20 in.
pen and ink on artists board

IRVING NORMAN - Wine Bottle - graphite on paper - 18 7/8 x 11 5/8 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Wine Bottle
1945
18 7/8 x 11 5/8 in.
graphite on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Possible Study for "Liberation War Prisonerss") - pencil on paper - 14 x 16 1/2 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Possible Study for "Liberation War Prisonerss")
14 x 16 1/2 in.
pencil on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Possible Study for "Children #2) - graphite on paper - 10 7/8 x 13 5/8 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Possible Study for "Children #2)
10 7/8 x 13 5/8 in.
graphite on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled - graphite and crayon on paper - 12 x 8 7/8 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled
12 x 8 7/8 in.
graphite and crayon on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled - graphite and crayon on paper - 12 x 8 7/8 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled
12 x 8 7/8 in.
graphite and crayon on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled - graphite on paper - 9 x 11 5/8 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled
9 x 11 5/8 in.
graphite on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled - pencil on paper - 11 3/4 x 9 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled
11 3/4 x 9 in.
pencil on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled - pencil on paper - 7 1/4 x 5 1/4 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled
7 1/4 x 5 1/4 in.
pencil on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled - pencil on paper - 9 5/8 x 7 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled
9 5/8 x 7 in.
pencil on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled - pencil on paper - 9 5/8 x 7 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled
9 5/8 x 7 in.
pencil on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Pocket Sketch Pad - graphite on paper - 5 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Pocket Sketch Pad
5 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
graphite on paper

IRVING NORMAN - The Circus, Balancing Act 2 (a Study) - pencil on paper - 11 x 9 in.
IRVING NORMAN
The Circus, Balancing Act 2 (a Study)
1963
11 x 9 in.
pencil on paper

IRVING NORMAN - The Circus, The Balancing Act 2a (a Study) - pencil on paper - 11 x 9 in.
IRVING NORMAN
The Circus, The Balancing Act 2a (a Study)
1963
11 x 9 in.
pencil on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled - pen and ink on paper - 8 x 5 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled
8 x 5 in.
pen and ink on paper

IRVING NORMAN - From Work - lithograph on paper - 20 x 25 in.
IRVING NORMAN
From Work
1977
20 x 25 in.
lithograph on paper

IRVING NORMAN - From Work - lithograph on paper - 20 x 25 in.
IRVING NORMAN
From Work
1977
20 x 25 in.
lithograph on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Possible Study for "The Immortality of Beethoven's 9th Symphony") - pencil on paper - 14 x 11 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Possible Study for "The Immortality of Beethoven's 9th Symphony")
14 x 11 in.
pencil on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Bodies in Crypt) - pencil on paper - 7 1/2 x 3 7/8 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Bodies in Crypt)
7 1/2 x 3 7/8 in.
pencil on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (War Study) - graphite on paper - 6 x 3 1/2 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (War Study)
6 x 3 1/2 in.
graphite on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Pocket Sketch Pad - graphite on paper - 5 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Pocket Sketch Pad
5 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
graphite on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Fire Bird) - graphite and crayon on paper - 12 x 8 7/8 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Fire Bird)
12 x 8 7/8 in.
graphite and crayon on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Bodies) - pencil on paper - 6 3/4 x 2 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Bodies)
6 3/4 x 2 in.
pencil on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Smoking Man) - pen on paper - 8 7/8 x 6 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Smoking Man)
8 7/8 x 6 in.
pen on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Sketch Pad - graphite on paper - 6 x 3 7/8 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Sketch Pad
6 x 3 7/8 in.
graphite on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled - pen and ink on paper - 3 9/16 x 2 1/2 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled
3 9/16 x 2 1/2 in.
pen and ink on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled - pen and ink - 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled
3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
pen and ink

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Couple) - graphite on paper - 5 x 3 1/2 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Couple)
5 x 3 1/2 in.
graphite on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Man with Fire Bird) - graphite and crayon on paper - 12 x 8 7/8 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Man with Fire Bird)
12 x 8 7/8 in.
graphite and crayon on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Possible Study for "Celebration") - graphite on paper - 4 7/8 x 3 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Possible Study for "Celebration")
4 7/8 x 3 in.
graphite on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Possible Study for "From Work") - pencil on paper - 11 x 14 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Possible Study for "From Work")
11 x 14 in.
pencil on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled - pen and ink on paper - 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled
3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
pen and ink on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled - pen and ink on paper - 3 3/8 x 2 7/16 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled
3 3/8 x 2 7/16 in.
pen and ink on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Head with Fire) - graphite and crayon on paper - 12 x 8 7/8 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Head with Fire)
12 x 8 7/8 in.
graphite and crayon on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Possible Study for "From Work") - pencil on paper - 11 x 14 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Possible Study for "From Work")
11 x 14 in.
pencil on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Head of Woman) - graphite on paper - 12 x 8 7/8 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Head of Woman)
12 x 8 7/8 in.
graphite on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Man Wearing Hat and Tunic) - pen on paper - 9 1/4 x 6 1/4 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Man Wearing Hat and Tunic)
9 1/4 x 6 1/4 in.
pen on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Stacked Heads) - graphite on paper - 12 x 8 7/8 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Stacked Heads)
12 x 8 7/8 in.
graphite on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Two Sketches: Man Wearing Hat and Man Carrying Heart) - pen on paper - 9 1/8 x 6 1/4 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Two Sketches: Man Wearing Hat and Man Carrying Heart)
9 1/8 x 6 1/4 in.
pen on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Abstract Head) - graphite on paper - 12 x 8 7/8 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Abstract Head)
12 x 8 7/8 in.
graphite on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Abstract Heads) - pen on paper - 8 7/8 x 6 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Abstract Heads)
8 7/8 x 6 in.
pen on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Four Heads) - graphite on paper - 5 x 3 1/2 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Four Heads)
5 x 3 1/2 in.
graphite on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Possible Study for "From Work") - graphite on paper - 5 x 3 1/2 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Possible Study for "From Work")
5 x 3 1/2 in.
graphite on paper

IRVING NORMAN - Untitled (Possible Study for "The Immortality of Beethoven's 9th Symphony" 2) - graphite on paper - 14 x 11 in.
IRVING NORMAN
Untitled (Possible Study for "The Immortality of Beethoven's 9th Symphony" 2)
14 x 11 in.
graphite on paper