Norman Rockwell 1894 - 1978

Howard C. Reeder, Wilmette, Illinois, circa 1965
By descent to the present owners (his grandchildren)

Brown & Bigelow Four Seasons calendar, Summer 1960 
Mary Moline, Norman Rockwell Encyclopedia: A Chronological Catalog of the Artist's Work 1910-1978, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1979, p. 229
Laurie Norton Moffatt, Norman Rockwell: A Definitive Catalogue, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, 1986, vol. I, no. A162, p. 329, illustrated

This work is in very good condition. There is some adhesive residue visible on the surface at the left edge.
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.

Norman Rockwell was commissioned to illustrate the Brown & Bigelow Four Seasons Calendars from 1948 through 1964. Each year, the calendar had one central theme for which four separate illustrations were made, one for each season. Rockwell's 1960 series told the story of a young redheaded boy who spent the year working as an apprentice for a local shopkeeper.

In the present work, a lighthearted and humorous illustration for the summer months of July-September, the shopkeeper has fallen asleep with a pipe in his hand and a cat in his lap, surrounded by baskets of apples. A few summer flies dart around the porch, and one has landed on the resting man’s head. The young apprentice has noticed the pesky intruder, and with bright-red cheeks and pursed lips, he nervously contemplates whether or not to disturb his boss from a peaceful afternoon nap with the flyswatter he tightly wields in his hands.