Description:

Most interesting original courtroom sketch, 24 ¾" x 18”, executed in monochrome watercolor with underlying blue pencil sketch lines by LEO HERSHFIELD (1904-1979), who would become known as the “Dean of Courtroom Artists” for his work covering hundreds of cases for NBC News, including the McCarthy Hearings and the trials of Jack Ruby, James Earl Ray, and Lt. William Calley. The sketch depicts the court-martial of U.S. Navy Captain CHARLES B. MCVAY (1898-1968), the commander of the cruiser USS INDIANAPOLIS at the time of her sinking by a Japanese submarine on July 30, 1945. The image depicts McVay standing to enter his plea of “not guilty” to the charges leveled against him, before a panel of seven senior naval officers. Blue pencil inscriptions identifying each pictured individual are faintly visible, and Hershfield adds a long hand-written caption in black ink at bottom, in part: “On second day (Dec 4 [1945]) of the court-martial of ship commander, Capt. Charles Butler McVay III of the lost cruiser ‘Indianapolis’ stood up to answer to charges of Negligence and Inefficiency. In a firm voice he said ‘not guilty’ to both charges... The trial continues in a brickwalled ordnance classroom at the Washington Navy Yard and on this day the room was just barely comfortable...” He also adds the title “Court Martial” at top left, and adds his signature at lower right. Shows a vertical fold at center, with mild toning to the edges, else very good. McVay would be found guilty on the first of the two charges, and committed suicide in 1968. He would be posthumously exonerated in 2000. Also present is a second sketch by Hershfield, 19 ½" x 14”, also in watercolor with underlying blue pencil, entitled “Walter Reed Hospital Surgery #9” and depicting a leg amputation. A handwritten cation at bottom again describes the scene and identifies the subjects. Hershfield again signs at lower right, adding the date: “3/8/45”. Shows damp stains to the edges and some paper loss to the top right corner, else very good. Two pieces.

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May 1, 2019 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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