Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978) A Guiding Hand, 1945 Oil on canvas 38 x 29-1/8 inches (96.5 x 74.0 cm) Signed and inscribed with Brown & Bigelow copyright insignia lower right: B&B / © / Norman / Rockwell Property from the BSA Settlement Trust, Sold for the Benefit of Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse EXHIBITED: National Scouting Museum, Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky, n.d. LITERATURE: Boy Scouts of America Calendar, Brown & Bigelow Co., Saint Paul, Minnesota, 1945, illustrated. W. Hillcourt, Norman Rockwell's World of Scouting, New York, 1977, p. 136, illustrated; M. Moline, Norman Rockwell Encyclopedia, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1979, p. 222, fig. 8-25, illustrated; L.N. Moffatt, Norman Rockwell: A Definitive Catalogue, Vol. I, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, 1986, p. 277, no. A66, illustrated; J. Csatari, Norman Rockwell's Boy Scouts of America, New York, 2009, pp. 48-49, illustrated. The present work exemplifies Norman Rockwell's enduring engagement with the values promoted by the Boy Scouts of America. A Guiding Hand centers on a moment of quiet mentorship, as an older Scout patiently guides a younger Cub Scout through the practical task of knot-tying, their figures closely bound in both gesture and purpose. Rockwell produced this composition with particular attention to the expressive capacity of the hands, explaining, "The hands are essential to the story... I tried to contrast the Cub Scout's younger and less skillful hands with the sunburned, more experienced hands of the older Scout" (as quoted in J. Csatari, Norman Rockwell's Boy Scouts of America, New York, 2009, p. 49). Rockwell's mastery of observed detail is evident in the careful rendering of each boys' hands, painted with striking anatomical precision. The younger boy's expression—tongue caught in concentration—offers a tender glimpse of childhood innocence and earnest determination. Set against a dark, uncluttered background, the figures emerge with sculptural clarity, focusing the viewer's attention on the act itself—a symbolic passing of knowledge from one generation to the next. The intimacy of the scene is further reinforced by Rockwell's use of his son, Thomas, who modeled for the Cub Scout. His youthful concentration lends authenticity to the work—Rockwell must have looked on at the young sitter feeling great pride at his determined effort, fondly recording a tender moment of his son's childhood. Produced during the postwar period, A Guiding Hand reflects Rockwell's broader commitment to portraying Scouting not merely as activity, but as a formative experience grounded in discipline, patience, and moral instruction. The present work transforms a simple lesson into a universal meditation on guidance, responsibility, and the shaping of character—core tenets at the heart of the Scouting movement. HID12401132022 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

National Scouting Museum, Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky, n.d.

Condition report available upon request.
Framed Dimensions 43 X 34.5 Inches