Norman Rockwell (1894-1978)

A Trench Spade (Soldiers Playing Cards)

Details

Norman Rockwell (1894-1978)
A Trench Spade (Soldiers Playing Cards)
signed 'Norman/Rockwell' (lower center)
oil on canvas
25 ½ x 21 in.
Painted in 1918.

Provenance

Private collection, 1950s.
Private collection, by descent from the above.
Christie's, New York, 28 November 2012, lot 99, sold by the above.
Acquired by the present owner from the above.

Literature

Judge, May 25, 1918, cover illustration.
A.L. Guptill, Norman Rockwell: Illustrator, New York, 1946, p. 74, illustrated.
N. Rockwell, The Norman Rockwell Album, Garden City, New York, 1961, p. 24, illustrated.
L.N. Moffatt, Norman Rockwell: A Definitive Catalogue, vol. 1, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, 1986, pp. 32-33, no. C84, illustrated.

Brought to you by

Will Haydock Specialist

whaydock@christies.com +1 212 707 5938

Lot Essay

The present work was published on the cover of the May 25, 1918 issue of Judge magazine.

This poignant scene depicting two young World War I soldiers passing time in their barracks by playing a game of cards exemplifies the Rockwellian approach to depicting soldiers during down time, and rarely in the line of duty. The man at left smiles and enjoys his pipe, as his friend carefully considers his options. The entire scene is illuminated by one candle in the center of the table and it infuses the personal moment with a warm glow.