Christopher Murphy, Jr. (American, 1902-1973), Northwest Corner of Habersham and Jones Street

Oil on masonite, circa 1950, signed at lower left, presented in a period frame, retains a hand written label to the verso and a 1973 article from the Savannah News Press.

Panel 20 x 24 1/4 in.; Frame dimensions 24 3/4 x 28 3/4 in.

Private Collection, North Carolina

Christopher Aristide Desbouillons Murphy Jr. was a Savannah artist, teacher, and arts advocate. Born in Savannah on December 28, 1902, to artists Lucile Desbouillons and Christopher Patrick Hussey Murphy, he attended the Art Students League in New York City from 1921 to 1930, studying life drawing with George Bridgman, painting with F. V. DuMond, and etching with Joseph Pennell. In 1925 he received a Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Fellowship. Working in etching, watercolor, oil, and pencil, Murphy is known for his depictions of Savannah architecture and daily life.

Murphy's work was exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Academy of Design, the Brooklyn Society of Etchers, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The Morris Museum of Art houses a collection of 100 pieces of his work, and the Telfair Museum of Art also holds his work. Murphy was an active member of the Savannah Art Club and taught art classes throughout the city until his death in 1973.

Light surface grime, otherwise good condition, no evidence of retouch or restoration under UV light.