Norman Rockwell Masterpiece Resurfaces After Decades To Be Sold At Auction In Chicago On December 1

Nov. 25, 2012 - PRLog -- CHICAGO, Nov. 26, 2012 -- Susanin's, the Midwest's largest fine art auction house, announced today that it will offer the rare and iconic Norman Rockwell painting, Willie Gillis: Package From Home, at auction in Chicago on December 1, 2012 at 1pm CST. The 1941 painting is the first of a series for the Saturday Evening Post that followed the fictional Willie Gillis through his WWII U.S. military service. "This is an extremely rare and important piece of American history, both culturally and socially," stated Sean Susanin, co-founder of Susanin's. "We are thrilled it will be sold here in Chicago.  It is certainly one of the finest Rockwells, which uniquely demonstrates the artist's unmatched ability to tell a complex story through simple, compelling images."

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121112/CG10515)

Like Rosie the Riveter, which Rockwell also created, Willie Gillis became a WWII icon.  Willie Gillis: Package From Home was first published on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post on October 4, 1941. The near life-size oil portrait portrays a wet-behind-the-ears army private cradling a care package from stamped "FOOD -- No Delay!" The young Willie is closely tailed by a determined crowd of hungry war buddies and ranking officers. The original painting has not been seen in public viewing for decades.

Rockwell's Rosie the Riveter sold at auction in 2002 for nearly $5 million. In 2006, Rockwell's Breaking Home Ties fetched a record-setting $15.4 million from an anonymous buyer.

Willie Gillis: Package from Home is a highlight of Susanin's December 1, 2012 fine art and estate jewelry auction. The live auction begins at 1pm CST. Bids from registered buyers will be taken live, via phone, and internet.

About Susanin's www.susanins.com
Located in Chicago's South Loop at 900 South Clinton, Susanin's is the Midwest's largest fine art auction house. Founded in 1994 by Sean Susanin and the late Christian Skeem, Susanin's rose to prominence after becoming one of the first auction houses to go online with interactive auctions. Though it specializes in fine art, Susanin's monthly auctions feature English, American, Continental and Asian furniture and decorative art, jewelry, silver, rugs, and collectibles. The auction house will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2013, and this year passed the $125 million mark in sales.

Contact:  Patrick Kearney (312) 832-9037