Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978) A Scout is Reverent, 1954 Oil on canvas 28-1/4 x 22-1/4 inches (71.8 x 56.5 cm) Signed lower right: Norman / Rockwell Property from the BSA Settlement Trust, Sold for the Benefit of Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse LITERATURE: Boy Scouts of America Calendar, Brown & Bigelow Co., Saint Paul, Minnesota, 1954, n.p., illustrated; W. Hillcourt, Norman Rockwell's World of Scouting, New York, 1977, p. 144, illustrated; M. Moline, Norman Rockwell Encyclopedia, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1979, p. 226;, fig. 8-38, illustrated; L.N. Moffatt, Norman Rockwell: A Definitive Catalogue, Vol. I, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, 1986, p. 281, no. A74, illustrated; J. Csatari, Norman Rockwell's Boy Scouts of America, New York, 2009, pp. 64-65, illustrated. A Scout Is Reverent belongs to one of the richest periods of Norman Rockwell's career, the years that produced Saying Grace (1951) and Breaking Home Ties (1954). Like those celebrated paintings, it finds its emotional weight in familiar gestures and closely observed faces. Seated in church pews, a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Explorer represent different stages of growing up. Rockwell gives each a distinct personality: the youngest glances sideways, the older boy sits with his arms folded, and the Scout at right holds a small book between his hands. Their neatly combed hair, carefully rendered insignia, and solemn expressions convey the effort of boys dressed and behaving for an important occasion. The cream-colored pews frame their faces, while a red neckerchief and yellow scarf brighten the restrained palette. As in Saying Grace, faith is expressed through the ordinary act of taking time to worship. Published for the 1954 Scouting calendar, the painting brings particular tenderness to its subject: these boys are learning how to carry themselves, and Rockwell treats that process with affection and respect. HID12401132022 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

Lined. Light soiling to varnish. Wear and soiling with small losses along extreme edges. Under UV examination, varnish fluoresces unevenly with areas of cleaning; potential patches of inpaint in white space of foreground pew.
Framed Dimensions 36.5 X 30.75 Inches