Dean Cornwell (American, 1892–1960)
Lincoln Memorial
Oil on canvas
38 x 35 inches (96.5 x 88.9 cm)
Signed lower left: Dean / Cornwell
LITERATURE:
Boys' Life magazine, The Boy Scouts of America, February 1954, cover;
J. Csatari, BSA Norman Rockwell's Boy Scouts of America, New York, 2009, p. 15, illustrated.
Dean Cornwell, celebrated as the "Dean of American Illustrators," presents a stirring homage to American ideals in Lincoln Memorial. This painting captures a poignant moment of reflection, as a group of Boy Scouts, accompanied by their Scoutmaster, look up in reverence at Daniel Chester French’s monumental statue of President Abraham Lincoln. Cornwell’s masterful use of light bathes the statue in a warm, golden glow, underscoring its significance as a symbol of unity, democracy, and national perseverance.
The American flag in the foreground amplifies the painting’s patriotic tone, while the scouts' awe-filled expressions reflect the profound influence of Lincoln’s leadership and legacy. The Boy Scouts’ presence emphasizes values of service, respect, and civic responsibility, mirroring the virtues Lincoln championed.
This artwork not only celebrates Lincoln’s role in preserving the Union but also highlights the Boy Scouts' mission of fostering leadership and moral character. Published as a cover illustration for Boys’ Life magazine in 1954, Lincoln Memorial resonates as a timeless tribute to the ideals of American youth and the enduring principles of justice and equality.
