Art Institute of Chicago acquires Norman Rockwell’s The Dugout
The Art Institute of Chicago acquired of The Dugout by Norman Rockwell, the first work by the artist to enter the museum’s collection.
Rockwell was known for his accessible and realistic style and this iconic painting of the beloved Chicago Cubs, a generous gift from former governor Bruce Rauner and Diana Rauner, will now be on view for all Chicagoans to experience.
Rockwell was one of the most famed artists working in the United States in the twentieth century and reached a wide audience through his engaging magazine covers for the Saturday Evening Post. It was this magazine that first published a reproduction of the oil painting, The Dugout, which features the 1948 Chicago Cubs. The piece portrays the contrast between the dejected Chicago Cubs players and the elated Boston Braves fans following a double header in Boston. Using photographs of the scene as a reference, Rockwell completed many studies for the image—in graphite, charcoal, and oil—and this acquisition is the largest and most elaborate oil study.
“We are so thrilled to provide our visitors with an opportunity to experience this quintessential American artist, known for capturing relatable facets of American society from politics to social rituals and in this case, America’s favorite pastime, baseball,” said Sarah Kelly Oehler, Field-McCormick Chair and Curator, Arts of the Americas, and vice president, Curatorial Strategy.
This painting is the only work in the museum’s collection to feature the Chicago Cubs, and is one of the most recognizable sports images of the twentieth century. When first published in September 1948, it cemented the legacy of the beloved Cubs across Chicago.
Main Image: Norman Rockwell. The Dugout, 1948. Gift of The Honorable Bruce V. Rauner and Diana M. Rauner. Dugout illustration © SEPS licensed by Curtis Licensing. All rights reserved.