Signed lower left: Dean / Cornwell

Dean Cornwell (American, 1892-1960) Lincoln Memorial Oil on canvas 38 x 35 inches (96.5 x 88.9 cm) Signed lower left: Dean / Cornwell Property from the BSA Settlement Trust, Sold for the Benefit of Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse LITERATURE: Boys' Life magazine, The Boy Scouts of America, February 1954, cover; J. Csatari, BSA Norman Rockwell's Boy Scouts of America, New York, 2009, p. 15, illustrated. Dean Cornwell's Lincoln Memorial is a powerful and patriotic tribute to both American history and the enduring legacy of President Abraham Lincoln. Known as the "Dean of American Illustrators," Cornwell was a master at capturing moments of national pride, and in this work, he focuses on Daniel Chester French's iconic 1922 statue of Lincoln, which has become a symbol of unity and democracy. The painting depicts a group of Boy Scouts gazing up in reverence at the towering figure of Lincoln, their Scoutmaster standing alongside them, symbolizing the values of leadership, respect, and service that are central to the Boy Scouts of America. Cornwell's use of light in the painting is particularly striking, as the statue of Lincoln is bathed in a golden glow, emphasizing its importance and grandeur. The American flag, prominently placed in the foreground, adds a further layer of patriotic symbolism, while the expressions of awe on the faces of the scouts and their leader suggest a deep admiration for Lincoln's legacy. The composition directs the viewer's eye upward, much like the gaze of the scouts, drawing attention to Lincoln's monumental presence. The Lincoln Memorial itself, dedicated in 1922, was designed to honor Lincoln's legacy of preserving the Union and championing freedom and equality. For Cornwell, this monument provided the perfect backdrop to celebrate both the ideals of the Boy Scouts and the broader American values of justice and leadership. The inclusion of the Boy Scouts, an organization rooted in civic duty and patriotism, underscores the themes of responsibility and national pride. Cornwell's expert draftsmanship and ability to convey emotion through composition make this work a poignant reminder of the importance of history, leadership, and the passing of these values to the next generation. Lincoln Memorial stands as both a tribute to one of the nation's greatest presidents and a celebration of the ideals that have shaped America's youth through scouting. Opening Bid: $10,000 HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Unlined canvas. Small repair visible on the reverse, with accompanying retouching in the flag at right. Under UV exam, there appears to be retouching in the lowest red stripe of the flag at left. A two inch horizontal line of retouching in the background left of Lincoln. And a few small scattered spots in the base of the Memorial. Framed Dimensions 46 X 43 Inches