Signed lower left: Dean / Cornwell

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

Dean Cornwell (American, 1892-1960) Uncle Sam's Air Force, 1952 Oil on canvas 38 x 35-1/4 inches (96.5 x 89.5 cm) Signed lower left: Dean / Cornwell Property from the BSA Settlement Trust, Sold for the Benefit of Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse EXHIBITED: National Scouting Museum, Murray, Kentucky, n.d. LITERATURE: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Calendar, Akron, Ohio, 1952, illustrated; P. Broder, Dean Cornwell, Dean of Illustrators, Portland, Oregon, 2000, p. 187, illustrated. Dean Cornwell's Uncle Sam's Air Force is a bold and patriotic tribute to the strength of America's military might during the post-World War II era. Known for his vibrant and narrative-driven illustrations, Cornwell captures a scene that combines both American symbolism and the futuristic optimism of mid-century aviation. The painting prominently features Uncle Sam, the quintessential symbol of American patriotism, depicted as a towering, muscular figure who works tirelessly on assembling fighter planes, embodying the nation's industrial power and commitment to defense. In the foreground, a Boy Scout and an Air Force pilot engage in an exchange, symbolizing the connection between the military and the youth of America—the next generation of leaders. The scout's attentive gaze and the pilot's gesture highlight a moment of shared knowledge and inspiration. This interaction, set against the backdrop of powerful military planes and a bustling airbase, reinforces themes of preparedness, duty, and the passing of values from one generation to the next. The dramatic sky filled with planes soaring overhead suggests both the technological advancements of the time and America's dominant presence in the air. Cornwell's expert use of light and color brings dynamism to the composition, while the meticulously rendered planes and figures add a sense of realism to the piece. The movement of the clouds and planes against the darkened sky further enhances the sense of energy and urgency in the image. Uncle Sam's Air Force reflects the Cold War context of its creation, capturing the pride and confidence of America's military prowess in a period when the Air Force was becoming a symbol of American dominance. Cornwell's masterful blend of allegory and realism makes this painting a powerful representation of national strength and unity, while also celebrating the role of the Boy Scouts in fostering the values of service and citizenship. The present work not only serves as a reminder of Cornwell's exceptional skill as an illustrator but also stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of American patriotism during a time of great global tension. Opening Bid: $10,000 HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Unlined canvas. Small 1/2 inch loss in the extreme lower left corner. Faint abrasions along the extreme right edge, not visible in current framing. Minor surface soiling. Under UV exam, there appear to be a few small dots of retouching in the landing gear of the plane at lower left. Framed Dimensions 45.5 X 42.5 Inches