1979 oil on board by Jack Simmerling (1935-2013). Measures approx. 15" x 13" OA; 9 1/4" x 7 1/4" SS. Jack Simmerling became passionate about Chicago?s rapidly changing architectural landscape as a teenager in the 1950s. He learned early on that if he was unable to physically save a building, he could preserve its artistry through salvage and his own artwork. He spent several years as a member of demolition crews, gaining entry into what had been Chicago?s most elaborate houses and returning with salvaged materials and many memories, which he would then use to document the house. In many cases, Jack?s sketches, paintings, and artifacts are all that remain today of many of Chicago?s lost mansions. Jack went on to study art at Notre Dame University, and for many years operated his Heritage Gallery in the Beverly neighborhood. Talented in many mediums, his style evolved over the course of his career from early, abstract depictions of building demolitions, to his later works which showed an almost photographic level of detail. He painted buildings long-demolished from memory and photographs, and created works representing Chicago?s iconic structure such as Wrigley Field, Navy Pier, and the Chicago skyline. Artwork has not been removed from frame for inspection.

good used condition