Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978) Pointing the Way, 1962 Oil on canvas 29-1/4 x 38 inches (74.3 x 96.5 cm) Signed lower right: Norman / Rockwell Inscribed on the stretcher: NR28 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, 1962, n.p., illustrated; Boys Life Magazine, The Boy Scouts of America, New York, February 1962, cover; W. Hillcourt, Norman Rockwell's World of Scouting, New York, 1977, p. 132, illustrated; M. Moline, Norman Rockwell Encyclopedia, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1979, pp. 15, 228-29, no. 8-46, illustrated; L.N. Moffatt, Norman Rockwell: A Definitive Catalogue, Vol. I, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, 1986, pp. 286-87 no. A83, illustrated; J. Csatari, Norman Rockwell's Boy Scouts of America, New York, 2009, pp. 80-81, illustrated. Norman Rockwell's idealized vision of Scouting is evident in Pointing the Way. Rather than documenting the realities of camp life with strict reporting, he distilled the experience into a composed and aspirational image, one that emphasized discipline and dignity. The immaculate uniforms, poised figures, and the quiet gravity of the scene reflect his commitment to presenting Scouting as a model of character and civic virtue, aligning the individual achievement of the Eagle Scout with broader ideals of national pride and collective purpose. In discussing the present work, Joseph Csatari teased, "No one who has ever been on a campout with a troop of 11- to 16-year-old boys will recognize the well-groomed lads here with their caps placed perfectly and their khakis spotless and wrinkle-free . . . But Rockwell allowed himself to compromise reality for the higher purpose of representing the organization and its members in the most positive light . . . the uniform must be immaculate, regardless of the mud, sweat, and tears it might endure . . . the models themselves should be . . . ‘freshly complexioned and well-scrubbed . . . the pride and joy of every mother'" (Norman Rockwell's Boy Scouts of America, New York, 2009, p. 81). HID12401132022 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

Condition report available upon request.
Framed Dimensions 45 X 36.5 Inches