Copy of courtroom sketch of Jack Ruby trial courtroom by artist Gary Artzt

Object number2002.058.0012

DateFebruary 1964 - March 1964

ClassificationsArt

Artist Gary Artzt

ObjectCourtroom sketch

Credit LineGary Artzt Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

MediumPaper

Dimensions11 x 8 1/2 in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm)

Terms

Collections

DescriptionPhotocopy of a courtroom pencil sketch on paper by KRLD artist Gary Artzt. The sketch shows the courtroom during the trial of Jack Ruby in February or March of 1964. Judge Joe B. Brown is visible in the background at the judge's bench while the backs of several figures are visible in the foreground, seated at the attorney's table. While it is unclear who all the seated figures are, it is likely that Jack Ruby is on the far right while the figure that is the second from the left appears to be defense attorney Joe Tonahill. The courtroom reporter can be seen in between the judge's bench and the attorney's table. Cameras were barred from the courtroom during the trial, but the judge did permit reporters and courtroom artists to stay.

Curatorial Commentary

Texas native Gary E. Artzt (1935-2001) was a noted western and wildlife artist whose paintings can be found in several museum and private collections in the United States. At the time of the Kennedy assassination, Artzt, then age 28, was working in the art department of Dallas CBS affiliate KRLD-TV and was assigned to cover the Jack Ruby trial in 1964 as a sketch artist. In 2002, the Museum acquired two of his original courtroom sketches from the Ruby trial as well as a collection of black and white photographs of other trial sketches, his press badge, and other materials. -- Stephen Fagin, Curator