Walter Beach Humphrey (American, 1892-1966). Boy Scouts of America, 25th Anniversary, 1935. Oil on canvas. 30 x 26 inche...

Description

Walter Beach Humphrey (American, 1892-1966)
Boy Scouts of America, 25th Anniversary, 1935
Oil on canvas
30 x 26 inches (76.2 x 66.0 cm)
Signed lower right: Walter / Beach / Humphrey

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.

Walter Beach Humphrey's Boy Scouts of America, 25th Anniversary is a powerful tribute to the enduring values of the Boy Scouts, celebrating a milestone in the organization's history. Humphrey, a well-known illustrator of the early 20th century, was commissioned to create this iconic image for the Boy Scouts' 25th anniversary. The composition features a confident and optimistic young scout standing proudly on a rock, raising his hat in salute while holding a staff, a symbol of leadership and exploration. The scout's face is bright with optimism, representing the values of preparedness, responsibility, and service that the Boy Scouts of America has championed since its founding in 1910.

Encased in a decorative arch bearing the anniversary dates, 1910 to 1935, the artwork presents a timeless image of the ideal scout. The simplicity of the landscape, with rolling hills in the background, suggests both the beauty of the American outdoors and the adventure that scouting promises. Humphrey's use of bright, clean colors and classical composition creates a sense of dignity and importance, celebrating the legacy of scouting in American culture.

The present work is more than just a commemorative piece; it is a visual encapsulation of the Boy Scouts' mission to cultivate leadership and community spirit in young people. Humphrey's portrayal is both aspirational and nostalgic, honoring the past while inspiring future generations of scouts. As an image, it remains one of the most enduring representations of scouting and its values, beautifully captured in a moment of celebration and pride.

Opening Bid: $3,000


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