Description:

Noel Rockmore (American/New Orleans, 1928-1995), "Oscar Joseph ŒChicken¹ Henry, Trombone and Piano Player (b. 1888), No. 4", oil on canvas, signed, titled and dated "Aug. 63" lower left, signed, titled and dated with the remnants of two paper labels en verso, 52 1/8 in. x 40 in., unframed.

  • Provenance: Provenance: A New York City estate. Note: A friendship developed between trombonist, Oscar Joseph "Chicken" Henry and the artist, Noel Rockmore. Trained as a skilled plasterer, Henry considered himself to be both an artist and musician, and consequently enjoyed his frequent sittings for Rockmore. An appealing character, Henry had a warm sense of humor and was an engaging storyteller; he was known to use a combination of voodoo and astrology to handicap the horse races. In this portrait, "Chicken Henry, no. 4," Rockmore depicts the musician in a stylized and modernist manner. On the surface of the painting, Rockmore inscribes in graffiti-like fashion phrases including "A Woman is like a Chicken," "The Saints Go Marching in" and "I believe that the correct application of mustard at the beginning of summer will prevent discomfort, signed C.H." Perhaps these phrases were taken from the many conversations between the artist and sitter.

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March 28, 2010 11:00 AM CDT
New Orleans, LA, US

Neal Auction Company

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