The only painting by Norman Rockwell debuted at the Art Institute of Chicago this week, and its subject hits close to home.
Tori Levy
–
Staff Writer
•
February 10, 2026
Source/Shutterstock
Save
The only painting by famed American artist Norman Rockwell that features the Chicago Cubs is now on display at the Art Institute of Chicago.
The renowned art museum announced that Former Governor Bruce Rauner and his wife, Diana, had gifted the painting “The Dugout” from their personal collection.
Photo/The Art Institute of Chicago The first and only Rockwell painting has arrived
Titled “The Dugout,” the painting depicts the 1948 Chicago Cubs after their loss in a doubleheader against the Boston Braves (now known as the Atlanta Braves).
Norman Rockwell is celebrated as one of the most significant American artists of the 20th century, largely due to the numerous covers he illustrated for the Saturday Evening Post. “The Dugout” was one of those commissions and was featured on the cover on September 4, 1948.
The painting is famous for the players’ dejected expressions, which sharply contrast with the cheering fans in the stands behind them.
It is the first and only Rockwell painting in the Art Institute’s collection, and the only work in the museum’s collection to feature the Chicago Cubs.