George Schmidt (American/New Orleans, b. 1944), "Nick LaRocca at the Corner of Canal and Royal, New Orleans, 1915", oil on canvas, signed lower right, 48 in. x 60 in., framed. Note: Celebrated local artist George Schmidt is known for his playful depictions of New Orleans’ cultural moments – both contemporary and historical. In his paintings of the past, he “recasts historic events or famous paintings with his own visual irony and playfulness.” The painting on offer here is from Schmidt’s “A History of New Orleans Jazz” series. Famed traditional jazz musician Nick LaRocca is depicted playing in “Papa” Jack Laine’s Reliance Band to an attentive crowd from the back of a bandwagon, while promoting a prizefight between local featherweight Peter Herman and Eddie Coulon as indicated by the scattered flyers littering the ground. LaRocca’s performance so impressed Chicago club owner, Harry James, he invited him to play at his Booster’s Club in the Windy City. This important day in December 1915 is regarded as one of the cultural cornerstones in the history of jazz, as it is emblematic of the soon-to-be widespread proliferation of New Orleans jazz throughout the country and world.The composition is compelling and dynamic, and Schmidt’s training in architecture at Tulane University is evident in the crisp perspective of the French Quarter buildings at the Royal and Canal streets intersection. The sharp lines direct the viewer to witness and partake this important day in musical history. Ref.: “George Schmidt.” 64 Parishes. Sept. 12, 2012. https://64parishes.org. Accessed Oct. 15, 2019. Satire, Scandal, and Spectacle: The Art of George Schmidt. Lafayette: Paul and Lulu Hilliard University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 2012.

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