Quick Pic: The Jury (Hold Out)

Big Idea Have you ever felt strongly about something even though others did not agree with you? This image tells a story about having an opinion, weighing evidence, and possibly sticking to our own ideas even while also listening to other viewpoints. Taking responsibility for learning and forming opinions based on evidence, not just popular opinion, is part of our responsibility as Americans. All citizens have the right to an opinion and vote, and they have a civic responsibility to participate as jurors in the court system. Notice and Wonder Notice the close proximity of jurors to each other. What are the clues that place this image in time? It was painted in 1959, over 60 years ago. What do you notice about the characters’ haircuts, dress? They are smoking which is something that would not happen today in a courtroom. Color - red surround is unusual for Rockwell. There is a charge to this image which the red brings out. The jurors have strong opinions. Rockwell often used red to frame an image, but do you think the red shoes in this case might also signal this woman’s independence? Her shirt and skirt are unremarkable, her back is straight and her hands are folded. She is listening to all the other jurors, but she also seems to be “holding out” with her own opinion. Fun Facts Taking part in the democratic process by participating on a jury is a civic responsibility for all citizens of voting age. Generally, after hearing the facts of a court case, a group of twelve men and women discuss the facts in a jury room, and must decide the outcome of the case and the fate of the defendant. All jurors must agree, otherwise the case will result in a hung jury, when no decision is reached. In this illustration, a female juror is not in agreement with the other jurors, who are trying to persuade her to change her mind. In 1959, women jurors were still a rarity in some states and not permitted in others. In this painting, Rockwell has pictured himself as one of the jurors - he is second from the left, bending down to see if the juror might change her mind. Rockwell is an observer and not one of the characters working on convincing the woman juror. It is as if he is noticing this woman has her own view and he is listening and watching to understand and see what happens. At at time when woman were not always recognized as having their own opinions, Rockwell is showing the world a strong woman who is listening, but keeps her arms crossed and will hold onto her own opinion unless there is a very good reason to change it. Notice the man who is sleeping! He provides visual interest because he is behaving differently than the rest. Based upon her expression and body language, what do you think she will do? There must be a fun fact about Rockwell’s signature. What you can do!

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