Norman Rockwell

[keitra]

What does"She's as Norman Rockwell as a chestnut-stuffed turkey" mean?

[Clanad]

Not having heard the phrase and finding no reference in the usual explanatory sites, I can explain that Norman Rockwell was a famous and successful artist that documented everyday life in unusual ways within the U.S., centered on the era of about 1920 to, perhaps 1960. All his art had a down-homey feel that everyone immediately recognized as, well, next doorish. Since, I expect that a chestnut-stuffed turkey is old fashioned and could easily be compared to the type of art work Mr. Rockwell produced I can see the comparison as being somewhat complimentary with the intent of implying commoness...
In case you're unfamiliar with Rockwell, here's a link for examples:

http://www.rockwellsite.com/prints/pag_images_ cl.asp?SE=CL&PG=

[jno]

yes, Rockwell painted covers for the Saturday Evening Post and at festivals like Thanksgiving or Christmas would depict typical family celebrations; chestnut-stuffed turkeys sound pretty Tnaksgivingish to me. There's an interesting museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, if you're passing that way

http://www.nrm.org/

[delbertagnes]

Clanad is on target in his explaination of commonality of NR as an artist but also the word wholesome and pure are also reflections of his work. As in all English expressions concentrate on what the nouns do and not what they are and the meaning becomes more apparent.

[jno]

this is quite possibly the picture (called 'Freedom from Want') that the writer has in mind

http://www.acu.edu/img/assets/2158/largefreedo mwant.gif