Signed lower left: Csatari

Joseph Csatari (American, b. 1929) Scout Handbook Eighth Edition cover, 1976 Oil on canvas laid on board 27-5/8 x 38 inches (70.2 x 96.5 cm) Signed lower left: Csatari Property from the BSA Settlement Trust, Sold for the Benefit of Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse LITERATURE: Boy Scout Handbook, Eighth Edition, 1976, cover, illustrated; J. Csatari, Norman Rockwell's Boy Scouts of America, New York, 2009, p. 113, illustrated. Joseph Csatari's Scout Handbook, Eighth Edition cover captures the essence of scouting by depicting an array of Boy Scouts engaged in various outdoor activities and adventures. Commissioned to illustrate the cover of the Boy Scouts of America's 1976 handbook, Csatari masterfully conveys the diversity of experiences that scouting offers—camping, canoeing, archery, hiking, and more—highlighting the multifaceted opportunities for personal growth, learning, and exploration within the organization. The New Spirit is the first of more than 36 Scout paintings that Csatari painted for Boy Scouts since 1977. For scout models, the artist turned to his son Jeff's Scout Troop 26 of North Brunswick, New Jersey. To commemorate this personal and familial reference, the artist signed the painting beneath his son's fishing waders. In classic Csatari fashion, the painting is highly detailed, with each figure depicted in motion, actively engaged in their tasks. The result is a vibrant, dynamic composition that invites viewers to explore the many layers of scouting life. The gamut of outdoor adventures and merit badges surrounding the scouts symbolize the achievements and skills developed through scouting, reinforcing the idea of progress, learning, and accomplishment. Csatari's attention to realistic detail brings a sense of immediacy and vitality to the scene, making the viewer feel like a part of the action. The painting not only reflects the physical adventures of scouting but also embodies the values of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance that are central to the Boy Scouts' mission. Csatari's portrayal of diverse scouts from different backgrounds underscores the inclusive nature of the organization, celebrating unity through shared experiences. Opening Bid: $500 HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Minor abrasions along the extreme edges of the abord. A few minor scuffs in the white background. Under UV exam, there appear to be a few small spots of retouching in the white background. Framed Dimensions 35.5 X 46 Inches