Robert Gould’s earliest memories from growing up in New York City are of his father’s deep emergence in the art world. He remembers being surrounded by creativity, watching his father, John F. Gould, bring illustrations to life. Whether it was historical scenes of the Hudson Valley or illustrations for The Saturday Evening Post, art was much more than just a career for John—it was a way for him to imagine the world through color and composition.

Nearly three decades after his passing in 1996, John Gould’s legacy has continued to thrive. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s new production of Captain America: Brave New World, his painting Eagles Over West Point is prominently featured in the film. “Seeing it on the screen was surreal,” Robert says. “It really stood out when we saw it and it was quite an inspiration. The legacy of my father is helped along by this feature and I’m very pleased with that.”

John F. Gould was born in 1906 in Worcester, Massachusetts. He studied art at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, before returning as an instructor for 22 years. His career spanned over seven decades, during which he balanced commercial illustration, fine art, and teaching with ease.

John was able to set himself apart from the many other artists of his time. He worked across mediums—oils, watercolors, and pen-and-ink—and his subjects were just as diverse. From illustrating for The Saturday Evening Post to creating advertising art for General Electric, he had a gift for translating both historical and contemporary moments into beautiful visuals.

Aside from building a career out of his passion, John was drawn to realist, human elements in his work. His deep connection to nature, especially in the Hudson Valley, distinguished his work from others. “He had such an amazing ability to capture the essence of a place,” Robert explains. “From the Statue of Liberty up to Albany, he painted the Hudson River Valley like no one else.”

In 1985, John Gould Painted Eagles Over West Point, an image of an eagle soaring over the United States Military Academy at West Point, symbolizing both history and resilience. His dedication to accuracy was unwavering. “He took a helicopter ride over West Point—twice—to capture the landscape in both fall and winter before deciding on the perfect contrast for the painting,” Robert says. “Then he traveled to Albany to photograph eagles in captivity, ensuring every detail, from the wingspan to the light posts on campus, was right.”

A few decades later in February of 2023, Robert received an unexpected inquiry from Marvel Cinematic Studios. The production team had discovered Eagles Over West Point and saw its potential as a set piece in Captain America: Brave New World. “They were captivated by the bold colors and the dominance of the eagle,” Robert recalls. “It fit perfectly with the themes of the film, especially in a scene set in an army hospital.”

After months of coordinating with Marvel team members, the painting made its way into the film as a digital reproduction hanging prominently in a scene where Captain America stands with his wounded partner. “I didn’t know for sure if it would make the final cut,” Robert says. “But when I saw it in the theatre, it was an incredible feeling. My father would have been proud.”

John Gould’s approach to art was defined by realism and human connection. “He believed every piece should tell a story,” Robert explains. “Even when working in advertising, he wanted to be accurate, but also made sure there was a human element—interacting with the scene, bringing it to life.”

A contemporary of Norman Rockwell, John’s work complemented the storytelling tradition of The Saturday Evening Post. While Rockwell created covers, John’s illustrations often appeared inside the magazine, visually enriching the stories. He also spent over 20 years as an art consultant and illustrator for General Electric, creating detailed works on technological advancements, space exploration, and everyday life.

“He had a passion for research,” Robert says. “If he was illustrating something for General Electric, he would read everything he could about it first. He wanted to understand his subject deeply before putting it on paper.”

Robert and his wife, Loretta, have been highly dedicated to preserving John’s artwork as it continues to make a lasting contribution to the art world decades after his passing. Because of their work, John’s original pieces now reside at Syracuse University and the New York State Museum in Albany, ensuring they remain accessible for generations to come. Beyond preserving John Gould’s paintings and illustrations, Robert and his wife, Loretta, have taken a more personal approach to keeping his artistic imprint alive through a beloved childhood relic.

Among John’s many sketches was a whimsical series featuring his childhood teddy bear, Barnaby Benjamin Bear, embarking on grand adventures, from visiting Teddy Roosevelt at the White House to traveling on a flying carpet to the Olympics. Inspired by these illustrations, Loretta, a retired elementary school principal, turned them into a children’s book, bringing John’s artwork to a new generation of young readers. When she reads the book to schoolchildren, she brings Barnaby along—now over 100 years old, missing a leg from playful dachshunds decades ago. “The kids are fascinated by it,” Robert shares. “It’s a way to connect them to my father’s art, showing them how storytelling and imagination can last far beyond a lifetime.”

Additionally, John’s Revolutionary War paintings—The Last Great March, The Last Cantonment, and Peace 1783—will be exhibited at the Newburgh Free Library tentatively starting in October 2025 and running for two years. The exhibit will coincide with the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. “These paintings capture moments in history that don’t have photographs,” Robert explains. “My father’s ability to bring those scenes to life is something truly special.”

Reflecting on his father’s career, Robert is filled with admiration. “His art wields this power to create curiosity and bring insight into how the artist actually creates,” he says. “Even as structures disappear and landscapes change, his paintings keep those moments alive.”

“It’s an honor to see his legacy continue,” Robert says. “Whether it’s in a museum or a Marvel film, his art is still telling stories.”

For those looking to explore more of John F. Gould’s work, visit JohnGouldArt.com.