Joseph Csatari (American, 1929-2025). Urban Good Turn, 1998. Oil on canvas. 30 x 25 inches (76.2 x 63.5 cm). Signed lowe...

Description

Joseph Csatari (American, 1929-2025)
Urban Good Turn, 1998
Oil on canvas
30 x 25 inches (76.2 x 63.5 cm)
Signed lower left: Csatari

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

LITERATURE:
J. Csatari, Norman Rockwell's Boy Scouts of America, New York, 2009, pp. 138-39, illustrated.

Joseph Csatari's Urban Good Turn is a lively, meticulously detailed tableau that captures the Boy Scouts' enduring ethos of service, rendered in a style reminiscent of Stevan Dohanos and John Falter-two giants of American illustration known for their richly observed scenes of everyday life. Like their best work for The Saturday Evening Post, Csatari offers an expansive, street-level view of small-town civic spirit in action, packed with narrative and community detail. Compositionally, the work is particularly evocative of Norman Rockwell's Scouting is Outing (lot 53017 in this auction), with its layered crowd scenes, cheerful bustle, and choreographed yet naturalistic movement. In both works, the Scout figure serves as a focal point of decency and initiative-an active participant in the rhythms of American life, rather than a passive observer. Csatari's painting continues this illustrative tradition, affirming the everyday heroism at the heart of Scouting.

In this vibrant composition, members of Troop 54 execute a neighborhood cleanup as part of a "Crime Prevention Program." Scouts swarm a brick townhouse, hauling trash, painting shutters, and sweeping sidewalks. A red pickup truck serves as a mobile command center, and a sign reading "Take a Bite Out of Crime" nods to 1990s public service campaigns. Csatari fills the scene with life: pigeons flutter overhead, Scouts peer from upstairs windows, and an elderly woman watches from her stoop-her stance caught between surprise and gratitude.

The carefully rendered row houses, utility wires, signage, and city sidewalk all lend the painting a documentary realism, rooting the scene in a specific, recognizable American urban landscape. Yet the work also radiates timeless ideals: cooperation, initiative, and intergenerational respect.

As the official artist of the Boy Scouts and successor to Norman Rockwell, Csatari channels the American illustrators' tradition of using the ordinary as a vessel for larger truths. Urban Good Turn is both a nostalgic homage to community engagement and a forward-looking statement on the quiet power of youth-driven change.


More information about Csatari, Joseph Artist.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.