Noel Rockmore (American, 1928-1995), Untitled (Figures in a Garden)

Oil on gesso on panel, 1980, signed and dated at lower right, retaining fragment of vintage label to verso, unframed.

14 x 20 in.

From the Collection of Ron W. Djuren, Durham, North Carolina

​Noel Rockmore was an American painter and draftsman known for his vivid realism and engagement with New Orleans culture. Born in New York City, he was raised by accomplished artist parents, Gladys Rockmore Davis (1901-1967) and Floyd Davis (1896-1966) . Rockmore began painting at a young age, studying at the Art Students League of New York and exhibiting his work in major institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. In 1959, he moved to New Orleans, where he became deeply immersed in the city's vibrant arts scene.

In the early 1960s, Rockmore gained acclaim for his Preservation Hall Portraits, a series of over 300 oil paintings capturing the legendary jazz musicians of New Orleans. Beyond jazz, Rockmore's diverse body of work includes depictions of French Quarter personalities, Civil War scenes, and Haitian Vodou imagery. His later years saw him creating large-scale murals and engaging in projects that reflected his personal experiences and observations. Rockmore passed away in 1995, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be celebrated for its connection to the cultural scene of New Orleans.​

Some rubbing to the edge of the board from prior framing, natural age separation, and bowing to the panel.