The Problem We All Live With Print Value Guide

Norman Rockwell's 'The Problem We All Live With' is a seminal masterpiece of the American Civil Rights Movement, famously first published in Look magazine in 1964. This powerful image captures six-year-old Ruby Bridges being escorted by U.S. Marshals to desegregate William Frantz Elementary School, making it a highly sought-after piece for social justice historians and art collectors alike.

What affects the value of The Problem We All Live With Print?

• The condition of the paper, specifically looking for any yellowing, foxing, or fading of the ink colors.
• The provenance of the print, such as whether it is an original 1964 magazine tear-sheet or a later limited edition lithograph.
• The quality and age of the wood frame and glass, which can significantly impact the $100-$250 price range.
• The presence of any official Norman Rockwell Museum seals or authentication marks on the reverse.

How to Identify The Problem We All Live With Print?

• Look for the distinct imagery of the splattered tomato and the racial slur visible on the wall behind Ruby Bridges.
• Verify the presence of the four U.S. Marshals, depicted from the shoulders down to emphasize the scale of the young girl.
• Check for the original 1964 Look magazine publication credits or high-quality lithographic details on the paper stock.
• Examine the frame for period-accurate wood and glass materials consistent with mid-century presentation.

History of The Problem We All Live With Print

Norman Rockwell's 'The Problem We All Live With' is a powerful symbol of the American Civil Rights Movement. The painting, originally published in Look magazine in 1964, depicts Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old African American girl, being escorted by four U.S. Marshals to her first day at the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans during the school desegregation crisis. The splattered tomato and racial slur on the wall serve as stark reminders of the intense prejudice faced by those challenging segregation. The work is renowned for its unflinching portrayal of courage in the face of hatred and remains a potent commentary on social justice.