Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978) On to Washington, 1935 Oil on canvas 30 x 24 inches (76.2 x 61.0 cm) Signed lower right: Norman / Rockwell Property from the BSA Settlement Trust, Sold for the Benefit of Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse LITERATURE: National Jamboree poster, Boy Scouts of America, 1935; Boys' Life Magazine, The Boy Scouts of America, New York, July 1935, cover; W. Hillcourt, Norman Rockwell's World of Scouting, New York, 1977, pp. 44-45, illustrated; M. Moline, Norman Rockwell Encyclopedia, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1979, p. 14; L.N. Moffatt, Norman Rockwell: A Definitive Catalogue, Vol. I, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, 1986, pp. 274-75, no. A55, illustrated; J. Csatari, Norman Rockwell's Boy Scouts of America, New York, 2009, p. 30, illustrated. Planned as a major celebration of the Boy Scouts of America’s 25th anniversary, the organization’s first National Jamboree was scheduled for August 21-30, 1935, in Washington, D.C. Conceived as a truly national gathering, each registered troop across every council was invited to send one representative, fulfilling President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s wish that "every nook and cranny of America be represented in the Jamboree." Scouts from across the country prepared for the historic event, many already en route by train, when a last-minute Presidential Proclamation abruptly canceled the gathering due to a nationwide outbreak of Polio. The long-anticipated celebration was ultimately postponed until 1937, when tens of thousands of Scouts convened in Washington for the rescheduled Jamboree—a landmark event that affirmed national unity, citizenship, and the shared ideals of Scouting. Conceived as a promotional poster for the event, the composition presents a uniformed Scout in the foreground, striding forward with staff in hand, his gaze lifted with youthful optimism toward the promise of Washington beyond. Behind him, the dome of the U.S. Capitol rises out of the background, while a sweeping eagle with outstretched wings reinforces the image’s patriotic symbolism. This spirited image embodies Rockwell’s ability to fuse narrative clarity with idealized Americana. Yet in light of the Jamboree’s sudden cancellation, the image assumes a more poignant message, standing not only as a celebration of national unity but also a reminder of America’s collective responsibility in the face of a public health crisis. The historical significance of Rockwell’s Jamboree poster of 1935 speaks directly to two important edicts of Scout Law—the obedience required to ensure the health of all citizens and the bravery it demands of each of us. HID12401132022 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

Condition report is available upon request.
Framed Dimensions 31 X 25 Inches