River Pilot 1940

Norman Rockwell's 1940 painting "River Pilot" depicts a scene aboard a ship's bridge. A young man, likely a new pilot, is using a telescope to look out at the river, while an older, more experienced pilot stands next to him. The other figures on the bridge, including a man sleeping in a chair, demonstrate the routine and relaxed nature of river travel. Rockwell's iconic style, with its attention to detail and portrayal of American life, is evident in this piece. The painting captures the transition between generations of river pilots and evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time.