Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978). I Will Do My Best, 1945. Oil on canvas. 39 x 28 inches (99.1 x 71.1 cm). Signed l...

Description

Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978)
I Will Do My Best, 1945
Oil on canvas
39 x 28 inches (99.1 x 71.1 cm)
Signed lower right: Norman / Rockwell

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

LITERATURE:
Boy Scouts of America Calendar, Brown & Bigelow Co., Saint Paul, Minnesota, 1945, n.p. illustrated;
W. Hillcourt, Norman Rockwell's World of Scouting, New York, 1977, p. 142, illustrated;
M. Moline, Norman Rockwell Encyclopedia, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1979, p. 226, illustrated;
L.N. Moffatt, Norman Rockwell: A Definitive Catalogue, Vol. I, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, 1986, p. 277, no. A65, illustrated;
J. Csatari, Norman Rockwell's Boy Scouts of America, New York, 2009, pp. 46-7, illustrated.

Painted in 1945, I Will Do My Best stands as one of Norman Rockwell's most iconic tributes to the Boy Scouts of America and the ideals they represent. The young scout, standing tall with hand raised in solemn pledge, personifies integrity, discipline, and devotion to country and faith. Behind him, Rockwell inscribes the timeless words of the Scout Oath, transforming the composition into both portrait and creed-a visual testament to moral strength and youthful resolve. Few images so powerfully encapsulate the spirit of scouting and the virtues that define the American character:

On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.


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

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