Bonhams’ American Art Sale Offers Norman Rockwell’s 1954 Fishing Painting, Ernie Barnes’ The Shot, and More

Bonhams’ upcoming American Art auction will highlight a 1954 oil painting by Norman Rockwell. A leading American painter and illustrator from the 20th century, Rockwell received his first commission at age 17. His works reflect real American life and culture detailed with emotion, humor, and playful faces. The available painting, titled Me and My Pal: Fishing Raft, portrays two boys taking a nap while fishing. It is rendered in Rockwell’s signature Realist style.  Set in the midst of a river, the colorful canvas also features a watchful dog. During his lifetime, Rockwell experimented with various artistic movements including Cubism, Impressionism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. 

Ernie Barnes’ The Shot is another leading highlight of the upcoming sale. The acrylic on canvas was executed by the American artist in 1985. Painted in his unique elongation style, this composition is one of his several athletic pieces of art. It shows a lanky lad throwing a basketball toward a makeshift hoop. Barnes (1938 – 2009) was a professional football player before taking the leap to paint full-time. The catalog also offers a bronze sculpture titled Woman (Striding Woman) by Gaston Lachaise, a painting by Walt Kuhn, and abstract artworks by Werner Drewes. Visit Bonhams’ website for the full catalog and to place a bid in the American Art sale.