Signed lower left: Harold N. Anderson

Harold Anderson (American, 1894-1973) Scout Bugler, Swimming Call Oil on canvas 28 x 21 inches (71.1 x 53.3 cm) Signed lower left: Harold N. Anderson Property from the BSA Settlement Trust, Sold for the Benefit of Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Harold Anderson’s Scout Bugler, Swimming Call is a dynamic and lively depiction of Boy Scout life, painted with vibrant energy and a keen sense of action. Anderson, a prolific illustrator, was known for his ability to capture the spirit of American youth in his works, particularly through his association with the Boy Scouts of America. This painting, featuring a bugler standing tall as he sounds the call for swimming, perfectly encapsulates the essence of scouting—discipline, camaraderie, and the joy of outdoor activities. The central figure, a young scout in full uniform, dominates the composition. His stance is confident and composed, symbolizing leadership and the responsibility that comes with the role of bugler. The other scouts, in various stages of readiness, dash excitedly toward the water, their movements creating a sense of chaotic energy that contrasts with the steady figure of the bugler. The bright, warm colors used by Anderson amplify the excitement of the scene, evoking the freedom and exhilaration of summer camp. In the background, the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol dome can be seen, placing this scene in the heart of the nation’s capital and emphasizing the patriotic undertones often associated with scouting. This setting, combined with the themes of leadership and outdoor adventure, underscores the broader ideals of the Boy Scouts of America—service, citizenship, and preparedness. Anderson’s skill as an illustrator shines through in the fluidity of his brushwork and his ability to convey movement and emotion. The sunlight glinting off the tents and the scouts' skin adds to the warmth and vitality of the painting, making it an inviting and joyful representation of scout life. Scout Bugler, Swimming Call not only celebrates the Boy Scouts' traditions but also reflects Anderson’s artistic talent in capturing the spirit of youthful exuberance. It stands as a tribute to both the artist’s mastery and the enduring appeal of scouting in American culture. Opening Bid: $1,000 HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Unlined canvas. Two small 1/2 inch repairs in the upper right corner of the canvas. Faint stretcher bar lines visible. Minor abrasions long the extreme right edge. A few thin hairlines of craquelure, visible under close inspection. Under UV exam, there appears to be a few small 1/4 inch spots of retouching on the left and right edges of the sky, including in the areas of aforementioned repairs. 3 inch vertical line fluoresces right of the Scout Bugler torso. A few small finely applied scattered dots of inpaint including a small 1/4 inch dots below the L and D of Harold.