Art Institute of Chicago acquires its first Norman Rockwell
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Former Gov. Bruce Rauner and Diana Rauner next to "The Dugout" at the Art Institute of Chicago. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios
The Art Institute of Chicago has acquired its first Norman Rockwell piece of art.
Why it matters: "The Dugout," installed by AIC on Tuesday, features the 1948 Chicago Cubs and is considered one of the most iconic sports paintings of the 20th century.
Fun fact: The painting, gifted by former Gov. Bruce Rauner and Diana Rauner, is the only work in AIC's collection to feature the Cubs.
- Rauner said at the installation he was feeling emotional parting with Rockwell's work as it's his favorite artwork and he's a lifelong Cubs fan.
What they're saying: "This is a great time. This is the 150th anniversary of the Cubs," Rauner said in response to Axios' question about why the family is donating it now to AIC.
- "It's my 70th birthday and next week, and I'd rather give than get, and this 250th anniversary of our country, and this is a great time to just celebrate what's wonderful about our city and our country and sports."
- The Rauners said it was the only Rockwell they owned.
Zoom in: The painting features the dejected 1948 Chicago Cubs slumped in the dugout while joyous Boston Braves fans cheer in the stands following a doubleheader in Boston, according to a news release.
- Rockwell used photographs of the scene as a reference.
- 1948 was a rough year for both the Cubs and the White Sox, with both finishing at the bottom of their leagues, according to the Norman Rockwell Museum, and "The Dugout" summed up the frustration of Chicago.
State of play: "The Dugout" is on display at the Arts of the Americas gallery on the museum's second floor. It is currently on the wall where Grant Wood's iconic "American Gothic" hangs, but will probably be moved to another wall in the gallery at some point, curator Sarah Kelly Oehler said.
Zoom out: The prolific illustrator and painter created more than 320 covers for the "Saturday Evening Post" over nearly 50 years, often depicting sentimental scenes of comfort and family.
- But he also portrayed current — and later historic — events such as "The Problem We All Live With," of 6-year-old Ruby Bridges at the feet of U.S. Marshals as the young Black girl walks into her first day at an integrated school.
- Rockwell did that cover for "Look" magazine in 1964, according to Washington University, where he had more freedom than at the Post to express political points of view.
What's next: Asked if this was the first of more donations to the museum, Rauner said: "I wouldn't be surprised ... we'll see."