The artwork titled “Scout at Ship’s Wheel” is an illustration by Norman Rockwell, created in the year 1913. This piece is associated with the Regionalism art movement and was designed as a genre illustration. It was crafted during a time when Rockwell’s iconic style depicted everyday American life and ideals. The artwork served as a cover for the publication “Boys’ Life,” which is the official magazine of the Boy Scouts of America. The magazine and the artwork reflect the values and adventures that are synonymous with the scouting movement.
The artwork features a young scout confidently standing at a ship’s wheel. The scout is dressed in a traditional scouting uniform, complete with a campaign hat, and is depicted as handling the wheel with both hands. His posture and gaze suggest a sense of duty and navigation, as if he is steering the ship through unseen waters. The expression on his face conveys determination and focus. The background is simple and uncluttered, emphasizing the figure and the action at hand. This portrayal of a scout in a position of responsibility aligns with the scouting principles of leadership and skill development, themes that are often celebrated in Boy Scouts imagery and literature.
