(American, 1818-1892)

The Rostrum, 1882, signed and dated lower left "J. Hope A.N.A. 1882", extensively inscribed verso, oil on canvas, 18 x 24 in.; period carved gilt wood frame, 24-1/2 x 29-3/4 in.

Note: Inscription verso reads: "The Rostrum"/Garfields first audience. This scene is in the woods, west of the old log school house, where the school children were in the habit of assembling in Summer for declamation. J.A. Garfield while quite young became noted as their best speaker. Sketch from nature by J. Hope. ANA 1882."

After serving as President of the United States for five months, Garfield was assassinated and subsequently died on September 19, 1881. It is therefore presumed that Hope "sketched from nature" the landscape portion of the painting, adding Garfield and the other figures as something of a memorial to the slain President.

Provenance: Bourgeault-Horan Antiquarians, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, August 7, 2005

areas of retouch scattered throughout, stretcher marks, canvas slightly loose at corners; frame with wear