Lot 211: Karl Wolfe (American/Mississippi

Karl Wolfe (American/Mississippi, 1904-1985), "Portrait of Andrew Jackson, A Study for the well-known Portrait in City Hall", oil on canvas, signed lower right, sight 13 in. x 6 1/2 in.

Karl Wolfe was commissioned to paint a life size portrait of Andrew Jackson for the Jackson, Mississippi City Hall. Trained as an artist at the Art Institute of Chicago and in Europe, Wolfe often painted preliminary sketches for his portraits. This preliminary study shows Wolfe's intentions regarding Jackson's uniform and facial expression. The final portrait was unveiled to the public in November of 1965 at City Hall, and is currently on view at the Municipal Art Gallery. Ref: Patti Carr Black, "Mildred and Karl Wolfe," exhibition catalogue, Mildred and Karl Wolfe, 1994; and Louis Dollarhide, "Fitting Jackson Portrait is by State Artist Wolfe," Clarion Ledger, November 7, 1965.