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Iconic Baseball Painting by Norman Rockwell Acquired by the Art Institute of Chicago
The painting depicts members of the Chicago Cubs after their 1948 loss to the Boston Braves.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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The Art Institute of Chicago has announced the acquisition of a study for Norman Rockwell's iconic painting "The Dugout" (1948), which depicts unhappy members of the Chicago Cubs following their loss to the Boston Braves on May 23, 1948. The finished painting was later reproduced on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post, cementing the Cubs' reputation as "lovable losers" for that season.
Why it matters
Rockwell's paintings are considered some of the most iconic and quintessentially American artworks, capturing the spirit and everyday life of the country. The acquisition of this study by the Art Institute of Chicago adds an important work by the renowned artist to the museum's collection.
The details
The oil study was donated to the museum by former Illinois governor Bruce Rauner and his wife Diana. Rockwell regularly took reference photographs of his subjects, and for "The Dugout" he used Cubs players like pitcher Bob Rush, manager Charlie Grimm, catcher Al 'Rube' Walker, and pitcher Johnny Schmitz as models. The elated onlookers behind the dugout were actual Braves fans who agreed to reenact their cheers and jeers.
- The original painting was published on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post in September 1948.
- The Cubs lost to the Boston Braves on May 23, 1948, the game depicted in the painting.
The players
Norman Rockwell
A popular painter of American everyday life, most famous for his cover illustrations for the Saturday Evening Post magazine.
Bruce Rauner
The former governor of Illinois who, along with his wife Diana, donated the painting study to the Art Institute of Chicago.
Bob Rush
A Cubs pitcher who posed for Rockwell's reference photographs for "The Dugout".
Charlie Grimm
The Cubs manager who posed for Rockwell's reference photographs for "The Dugout".
Al 'Rube' Walker
A Cubs catcher who posed for Rockwell's reference photographs for "The Dugout".
What they’re saying
“I am a longtime Cubs fan and followed them as a kid, but also I am a huge fan of Norman Rockwell, who is the most iconic of American painters. We really loved owning it.”
— Bruce Rauner, Former Governor of Illinois
What’s next
The painting study will now be on display at the Art Institute of Chicago, alongside other iconic American artworks like Grant Wood's "American Gothic".
The takeaway
The acquisition of this Norman Rockwell painting study by the Art Institute of Chicago adds an important work by one of America's most renowned artists to the museum's collection, further cementing Rockwell's legacy as a master chronicler of American life and culture.
