Original Norman Rockwell Drawing? Can't Decide

Hello,

Stumbled upon this and just wanted some clues or hints on this. I just think it would be too good to be true so I'm not believing it is original.

The work is framed professionally.
The back of the board is sealed and states from top to bottom.

Labeled "Maternity Scene: Original pencil drawing by Norman Rockwell from the collection of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance"

Signed "Given to Mr. Chamberlain by Chris & John Puffer 9/28/82"

Stamped "The Little Gallery 344 Worthington Street, Springfield MA No. 9449"

 

I think this will help.

https://www.nrm.org/2009/10/norman-rockwells-family-life-series/

Debora

 

As will this...
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-norman-rockwell-maternity-475326940
What is pasted on the back was trimmed off the advertising print.

 

That's my biggest concern. I've been hunting around trying to find clues. Even found the original building(built in 1890) but no luck with the store that occupied the building for a couple years. I managed to find another piece of art on google where the user stated the same stamp and store(well known artist as well).

As well as search high and low for the names associated with the "gift".

The Norman Rockwell and American Family Exhibition are a bunch of his prints which I would still love to get my hands on if original prints.

And that sold one off EBay that says original. My biggest annoyance is the small text at the very left hand corner. Would that be on original work? After more research, I have found a lot of multiples that state "original drawing" with the small text stating "Original pencil drawing by Norman Rockwell from the collection of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance" I may just have another print then.

Would someone back in 1982 gift someone a ripped out ad and have a place stamp it as well? I guess. I'm trying my best to not go in with a razer blade and carefully take everything apart.

 

It's a reproduction. As stated, the "original pencil drawing" was in the collection of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. According to the internet, 21 of the originals were donated by MassMutual to Massachusetts museums and MassMutal retains the remainder.

https://www.masslive.com/entertainment/2014/05/norman_rockwell_exhibit_at.html

Debora

 

I wear my heart on my sleeve on these things. Shoot.

 

I agree with Debora. I think the blurb pasted on the back isn't saying that copy is the original. It's saying that it's from the original that's in the collection of Mutual Life.

 

The chances of finding an original Rockwell are right up there with the chances of finding an original Miró, Chagall, Picasso...

Debora

 

It was hidden here in plain sight ...

 

Clever you!

Debora

 

So many dreams get crushed on this website.

 

That's normal............most are just wet dreams !!

 

We have all done it! I vividly remember dreaming to this NR cover as a kid. I just had to have this “original” practice painting. I keep it now just as a reminder of the cost of my education. Sadly it wasn’t my last mistake!