Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In 1952, a bold 14-year-old girl wrote a letter to her idol, Norman Rockwell—and incredibly, he wrote back. What followed was a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Rockwell’s studio in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where she spent an hour surrounded by paintings, sketches, and the artist himself. Before she left, Rockwell picked up a large drawing from the floor, inscribed it to her, and gifted it as encouragement for her future art career.
That young girl, Jane Bennett (later Perkins), went on to become an artist—treasuring the drawing for more than 70 years. Today, that very work—Study for Cheerleaders (1952)—comes to auction at Heritage Auctions on May 19th.
This monumental mixed media study (over 40 inches tall) is far more than a preparatory drawing. It is a deeply finished, psychologically rich composition that captures three cheerleaders in the quiet aftermath of a crushing defeat—each expressing a distinct emotional response, from shock to exhaustion. A study for Rockwell’s final oil painting, the work reveals his meticulous creative process and unmatched ability to tell human stories with humor, empathy, and nuance.
Beyond its technical brilliance, the piece reflects a broader theme in Rockwell’s work: the evolving role of women and girls in mid-20th-century America. Like his iconic Rosie the Riveter, this drawing celebrates resilience, individuality, and identity—here embodied in a younger generation.
Equally powerful is its provenance. Gifted directly by Rockwell to a young aspiring artist, the drawing stands as a testament to mentorship, encouragement, and the lasting impact of a single act of generosity. Jane preserved it through decades of life’s challenges, recognizing its personal significance long before its market value.
🖼️ Norman Rockwell (1894–1978)
Study for Cheerleaders, 1952
Mixed media on paper, 40-1/8 x 38-1/2 in.
Signed and inscribed to Jane Bennett
💰 Estimate: $300,000 – $500,000
📅 Offered May 19 at Heritage Auctions
This is not just a work of art—it’s a story of courage, connection, and the enduring spirit of Rockwell’s vision.
fineart.ha.com/itm/works-on-paper/norman-rockwell-american-1894-1978-study-for-cheerleaders-1952-mixed-media-on-paper-40-1-8-x-38-1-2-inches-1019-x/p/8249-27001.s?ic4=GalleryView-ShortDescription-071515
#NormanRockwell #AmericanArt #HeritageAuctions #ArtHistory #WomenInArt #Auction
Brought to you by HA.com
To learn more, visit HA.com/8249
Stay Connected to Heritage Auctions:
facebook.com/HeritageAuctions
twitter.com/HeritageAuction
In 1952, a bold 14-year-old girl wrote a letter to her idol, Norman Rockwell—and incredibly, he wrote back. What followed was a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Rockwell’s studio in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where she spent an hour surrounded by paintings, sketches, and the artist himself. Before she left, Rockwell picked up a large drawing from the floor, inscribed it to her, and gifted it as encouragement for her future art career.
That young girl, Jane Bennett (later Perkins), went on to become an artist—treasuring the drawing for more than 70 years. Today, that very work—Study for Cheerleaders (1952)—comes to auction at Heritage Auctions on May 19th.
This monumental mixed media study (over 40 inches tall) is far more than a preparatory drawing. It is a deeply finished, psychologically rich composition that captures three cheerleaders in the quiet aftermath of a crushing defeat—each expressing a distinct emotional response, from shock to exhaustion. A study for Rockwell’s final oil painting, the work reveals his meticulous creative process and unmatched ability to tell human stories with humor, empathy, and nuance.
Beyond its technical brilliance, the piece reflects a broader theme in Rockwell’s work: the evolving role of women and girls in mid-20th-century America. Like his iconic Rosie the Riveter, this drawing celebrates resilience, individuality, and identity—here embodied in a younger generation.
Equally powerful is its provenance. Gifted directly by Rockwell to a young aspiring artist, the drawing stands as a testament to mentorship, encouragement, and the lasting impact of a single act of generosity. Jane preserved it through decades of life’s challenges, recognizing its personal significance long before its market value.
🖼️ Norman Rockwell (1894–1978)
Study for Cheerleaders, 1952
Mixed media on paper, 40-1/8 x 38-1/2 in.
Signed and inscribed to Jane Bennett
💰 Estimate: $300,000 – $500,000
📅 Offered May 19 at Heritage Auctions
This is not just a work of art—it’s a story of courage, connection, and the enduring spirit of Rockwell’s vision.
fineart.ha.com/itm/works-on-paper/norman-rockwell-american-1894-1978-study-for-cheerleaders-1952-mixed-media-on-paper-40-1-8-x-38-1-2-inches-1019-x/p/8249-27001.s?ic4=GalleryView-ShortDescription-071515
#NormanRockwell #AmericanArt #HeritageAuctions #ArtHistory #WomenInArt #Auction
Brought to you by HA.com
To learn more, visit HA.com/8249
Stay Connected to Heritage Auctions:
facebook.com/HeritageAuctions
twitter.com/HeritageAuction
