NORMAN ROCKWELL MASTERWORK OF AMERICANA TO BE OFFERED AT BONHAMS IN NOVEMBER
A Scout is Loyal, 1940 by Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), estimated at $3,000,000 – 5,000,000.
New York – A masterpiece imbued with the spirit of American patriotism by celebrated artist and illustrator Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) will be offered as the centerpiece of Bonhams’ American Art sale on November 20. Painted during Rockwell’s most important period of creative output amidst the backdrop of World War II, it encapsulates the ethos of duty and loyalty, offering solace to the American people during troubling times. This large-scale painting, steeped in American iconography, embodies the essence of Rockwell’s artistry, featuring one of his most recognizable figures. A Scout is Loyal, 1940 has been held in a distinguished private collection since 2013 and is part of a series that is rarely offered at auction. The work will be offered at an estimate of $3,000,000 – 5,000,000.
“Norman Rockwell paintings and illustrations are the epitome of Americana, and this work in particular represents some of his finest work in the category, created at a pivotal moment in history, the young boy surrounded by American iconography serve as a reminder that no matter your origins in life, with great determination and will, anything is achievable.”
Best known for the more than 300 covers depicting American culture he crafted for The Saturday Evening Post throughout his career, Norman Rockwell created some of his most iconic works during World War II providing the American people with a sense of comfort in such uncertain times, often through views of everyday American life. His series “The Four Freedoms”, initially created to help sell war bonds, was later reproduced as posters and toured around the country, eventually raising over $32 million for the war effort. Holding many of the same attributes of patriotism and loyalty as “The Four Freedoms”, A Scout is Loyal heavily leans into American iconography depicting a Boy Scout surrounded by the American flag, a bald eagle, and two of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington holding the Bill of Rights. This image from wartime is a reminder in challenging times that while the country is made up of many different voices, the common values of freedom, duty, and honor continue to unite us as Americans.
About The Bonhams Network
Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars.
Founded in 1793, Bonhams has representatives in more than 30 countries and operates flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams’ global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement.
In 2023, Bonhams achieved 14% growth with $1.14 billion in turnover. Recent important auctions and landmark single-owner collections, include the white glove sales of Sir Michael Caine: The Personal Collection, Alain Delon: Sixty Years of Passion; Sir Roger Moore: The Personal Collection; Personal Property of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and The Robert & Jean-Pierre Rousset Collection of Asian Art: A Century of Collecting. Other notable single-owner sales included The Estate of Barbara Walters: American Icon; The Alan and Simone Hartman Collection; The Crown Auction: Props and Costumes and The Claude de Marteau Collection.
Top lots for 2023 include 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta, Sold at Quail Lodge, US for US$30,255,000. Tipu Sultan’s Bedchamber Sword (sold in London for £14m – a world record for both an Islamic and an Indian object); Paul Signac (1863-1935), Sisteron, 1902. Sold for US$8,580,000 (estimate US$4-6 million), and Claude Monet (1840-1926), La Seine près de Giverny, 1888. Sold for US$6,352,500 (estimate US$4-6m), both from the Alan and Simone Hartman Collection; A Gilt Copper Alloy figure of Virupaksha, Central Tibet, Densatil Monastery, Early 15th century. Sold for HK$37.9m (£4,060,326) in Hong Kong. Yoshitomo Nara (born 1959) Three Stars. Sold for HK$36,754,000 (£3,930,914), also in Hong Kong.
For more information about this auction and others featured By Bonhams, please visit their site. Bonhams can also be found on Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, and Pinterest.
