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

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

Object number2002.058.0015
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)
Collections
DescriptionPhotocopy of set of two courtroom pencil sketches on paper by KRLD artist Gary Artzt. The top 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. The bottom sketch shows un unknown witness testifying during the Jack Ruby trial. Judge Joe B. Brown is visible in the background while the unknown witness is seated in the foreground, depicted in profile, facing the viewer's right. The male witness is wearing a suit and speaking into a microphone positioned in front of him. 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