Growth of a Leader
Growth of a Leader | |
---|---|
Artist | Norman Rockwell |
Year | 1964 |
Medium | Oil on canvas |
Dimensions | 91 cm × 81 cm (36 in × 32 in) |
Location | National Scouting Museum |
Growth of a Leader is a 1964 painting by
Creation
The Edgerton family lived next to Norman Rockwell for 10 years. During that time, four generations of Edgertons posed for Rockwell.[1] The first time that James "Buddy" Edgerton posed for Rockwell was for the 1945 Boy Scout Calendar illustration, I Will Do My Best,[2] in 1943.[3] The final time was for Growth of a Leader, after Rockwell moved from Arlington, Vermont, to Stockbridge, Massachusetts.[3] Of the four men depicted, three were modeled after Buddy and the fourth, the Cub Scout, was modeled after his son.[4] Since no one in the Edgerton family was involved in Scouting, all of the uniforms were borrowed from friends.[1]
Composition
The painting depicts the stages a man goes through as he moves through the Scouting program, in front of an American flag.
Meaning
The painting represents the increase in maturity a Scout gains as he goes through the program. This is shown by the physical changes to each of the figures and by the change in expression on each of their faces.[6]
Sources
- ^ a b Powers, Martine (29 September 2012). "Models for Norman Rockwell's Portraits Reunite". The Boston Globe.
- ^ "I Will Do My Best". Norman Rockwell Museum. Retrieved May 15, 2017.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b Jackson, Carol (30 September 2013). "The Models Behind Rockwell's Portraits". The Story. American Public Media. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
- ^ Momberg, Tom (2 August 2014). "Rockwell Models Share Memories". Bennington Banner.
- ^ Wolgamott, L. Kent (28 August 2004). "Sentimental Journeys". Lincoln Journal Star. p. 5 (Section K).
- ^ a b "Growth of a Leader by Norman Rockwell". National Scouting Museum. Boy Scouts of America. Archived from the original on December 4, 2013. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
- ^ Williams, Monica Bernardette Ellen (May 2008). An Examination of Norman Rockwell's Peace Corps Series: Tradition and Innovation (MA). Stony Brook University.