Earl Purdy

Caricature from  Hotel Washington, Washington D.C.

c.1934

Oil on masonite

28 1/4  x  39 1/2 inches

Wonderful caricature of two men in 18th century attire. One of men is drinking from a toby jug.  This is  one of a set of 34 that were commissioned and hung in the lounge of the Hotel Washington, Washington, D.C. in the 1930‘s. It is not know how many survived after the lounge was remodeled, but  several were discovered in an estate in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Earl Purdy is listed in Who Was Who in American Art, 1564-1975  as a 20th century Mural painter, architect and etcher, his murals are listed as the Hotel Washington, DC (doubtless they are the set of 34 oil paintings on masonite). 

The Hotel Washington  is located across the street from the White House and was built in 1917, designed by John Carrere and Thomas Hastings. 

For a similar piece see Brunk Auctions, July 12th 2008 lot number 349.