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

Object number2002.058.0016

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 set of two courtroom pencil sketches on paper by KRLD artist Gary Artzt. The top sketch shows psychiatrist Dr. Manfred Guttmacher testifying during the trial of Jack Ruby in February or March 1964. The sketch shows Dr. Guttmacher looking down at papers in his hand as he leans forwards towards a microphone. The bottom sketch shows a group of men, likely the attorneys involved in the trial, clustered around two seated figures. The judge's bench is visible in the background. 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

Curatorial Commentary

Born in 1898, Dr. Manfred Schanfarber Guttmacher passed away less than three years after testifying at the Jack Ruby trial. He died as a result of leukemia on November 7, 1966, at the age of 68. A native of Maryland, Guttmacher served as chief medical adviser to the Supreme Bench of Baltimore from 1930 until his death. -- Stephen Fagin, Curator