Norman Rockwell 1894 - 1978

Commissioned by the United Stated Trust Company, 1972
Acquired by the present owner, 2006

Very good condition. Unlined. Surface dirt overall with some accretions visible in the foreground. Under UV: the work appears to have some uneven varnish, which has discolored in certain areas, and some very minor inpainting at the lower center edge to address frame abrasion.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In 1972 the United States Trust Company commissioned Norman Rockwell to paint Father and Son for the cover of their annual report. In a letter dated June 14, 2002, Maureen Hart Hennessey of The Norman Rockwell Museum writes, "the original idea was to show an entire family as 'Dad' tries to explain to his family 'the instruments of wealth'...Rockwell's version is much clearer and easier to understand, simply a father and son discussing these issues in the living room, with the family dog nearby." The setting for the painting was the U.S. Trust offices at 45 Wall Street and the models were an actual father and son from Stockbridge, Massachusetts. In Father and Son, a well-dressed, man is attempting to explain the fundamental principles behind financial instruments. With an investment certificate in his hand and numerous papers strewn about the living room table, the father looks towards his son, whose attentive but anxious and somewhat blank expression suggests his naiveté.