Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978). Boy and Dogs, New Puppies, 1958. Oil on canvas. 27 x 25 inches (68.6 x 63.5 cm). ...

Description

Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978)
Boy and Dogs, New Puppies, 1958
Oil on canvas
27 x 25 inches (68.6 x 63.5 cm)
Signed lower right: Norman / Rockwell

Property from the BSA Settlement Trust, Sold for the Benefit of Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

PROVENANCE:
The artist;
Collection of Brown & Bigelow.

LITERATURE:
Four Seasons Calendar, Brown & Bigelow Co., Saint Paul, Minnesota, 1958, illustrated;
T.S. Buechner, Norman Rockwell; Artist and Illustrator, New York, 1983, fig. 534, illustrated;
M. Moline, Norman Rockwell Encyclopedia, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1979, pp. 230-1, fig. 8-53B, illustrated;
L.N. Moffatt, Norman Rockwell: A Definitive Catalogue, Vol. I, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, 1986, pp. 326-7, no. A155, illustrated.

Norman Rockwell's work for Brown & Bigelow, starting in the 1940s, marked a significant chapter in his career, allowing him to extend his reach beyond the iconic covers of The Saturday Evening Post. Brown & Bigelow, known for producing calendars and promotional materials, commissioned Rockwell to create widely circulated illustrations, solidifying his status as one of America's most beloved artists. These works often portrayed themes of patriotism, everyday life, and American values, giving Rockwell the opportunity to explore a range of subjects while maintaining his signature storytelling and attention to detail. His contributions to Brown & Bigelow made his art accessible to millions, further embedding his work into the fabric of American popular culture.

One such example is Boy and Dogs, New Puppies, which was created as part of a Four Seasons calendar for Brown & Bigelow. The painting captures a heartwarming and nostalgic scene of a boy feeding a litter of puppies, evoking themes of rural American life, the passage of time, and the innocence of childhood. Through this simple yet profound image, Rockwell encapsulates the tender relationship between the boy and the animals, while also touching on broader reflections on responsibility and growth.

In the painting, a young boy is shown feeding the puppies from a pan, an act that highlights both nurturing and care. This intimate moment is set against the backdrop of autumn, a season traditionally associated with change and preparation for the future. The boy, dressed in a red plaid jacket and blue jeans, embodies mid-20th-century rural attire, and his focused expression reveals a deep connection with the animals. This simple act of feeding the puppies signifies more than just a chore; it reflects the boy's growing understanding of responsibility and care for others, suggesting the transition from childhood innocence to the awareness of adulthood.

The presence of an adult dog, likely the mother of the puppies, further enhances the emotional depth of the scene. She gazes attentively at the boy, creating a dynamic of trust and protection. This interaction mirrors the bond between the mother and her puppies, reinforcing themes of familial care and the cyclical nature of life. Rockwell was known for his exploration of close, quiet relationships, and this scene, in particular, reflects the connection between nurturing figures and the young ones in their care, whether human or animal.

The autumn setting plays a central role in deepening the painting's symbolism. The falling leaves and earthy tones evoke the passage of time, as summer gives way to fall-a period of maturity and reflection. The visual harmony between the boy's attire and the autumnal landscape enhances the connection between the natural world and the boy's actions. As part of a calendar series, this illustration speaks directly to the themes of preparation and growth. Just as the boy's careful attention to the puppies readies them for the future, so too does the season of autumn signal the need for readiness and change.

Rockwell's calendar illustrations, including Boy and Dogs, New Puppies, allowed him to connect with audiences on an intimate level. These works not only capture specific moments of care and connection but also tap into broader themes of growth, responsibility, and the cyclical nature of life. The boy's nurturing of the puppies, framed within the context of autumn, reflects the quiet yet powerful moments that shape our human experience, reminding viewers of the passing seasons and the enduring importance of love and responsibility.

Opening Bid: $100,000


More information about Norman Rockwell. See also: Rockwell, Norman, Rockwell, Norman Perceval Artist.

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