Noel Rockmore (New York/New Orleans, 1928-1995), "Old Man Reading to Riva," watercolor and gouache on cardstock or paper painting, titled lower left margin and signed and dated lower right, with inscription, "Midnight Dec. 6 658 Royal 1974." Framed under glass with gray mat. Sight: 13" H x 18" W. Framed: 24" H x 29" W. Biography: The son of New York artists Floyd and Gladys Rockmore Davis, Noel Rockmore was a child prodigy. He studied at the Art Students League and was given a show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art at the age of 24; exhibitions at the Whitney Museum, Pennsylvania Academy, and Cleveland Institute of Art followed. Rockmore made his first visit to New Orleans in 1960 and soon relocated there. By 1962, he had begun his project to paint the old Jazz musicians playing at Preservation Hall in the French Quarter, making quick preliminary studies in polymer followed by oils painted during a single sitting in his studio. Note: a photocopy of a drawing of the consignor, Jamie Teal, by Noel Rockmore, her personal friend, is available to the winning bidder. Ms. Teal worked for awhile at Bryant Gallery on Royal Street, which represented Rockmore.

PROVENANCE: The personal collection of former Folk/Outsider Art dealer Jamie Teal, Nashville, Tennessee; acquired directly from the artist.

CONDITION: Overall excellent condition.