Maurice John "Jack" Lenhardt was an accomplished artist particularly known for his society portraits during his career as an artist. Born and raised in Illinois he then attended and graduated from Wabash College; upon graduating Jack served his country as a camouflage engineer using his artistic abilities to create illusions to better hide Americas assets. Maurice was a professor at The Citadel from 1949 - 1971 and was commissioned to paint two works which now hang on display on the Citadels campus. Jack also had the honor to paint a full life size portrait of U.S. Congressman Lucius Mendel Rivers, of South Carolina which now hangs in the permanent collection of the U.S. House of Representatives.  

This portrait is entitled "Model in Old Fashion Dress" showing a beautiful woman sitting behind a ruffled red background in an old sleeved white dress. The woman is unfortunately unidentified but more than likely was just a paid model by Jack from the Charleston area as noted on the gallery label verso. This original composition was painted in 1939 and part of the third annual exhibition of artist members of the Carolina Art Association Gibbs Memorial Art Gallery in Charleston S.C. Jack spent much of his life in the Charleston area and was quite well known for his portrait work throughout his life. This striking image is a fabulous example of his beloved style and ability to capture the beauty of human form and emotion. This work is resting in its original antique gold gesso wood frame in excellent condition with no chips or areas of loss. The canvas is also in excellent condition with minimal rubbing in areas around the frames edge as well as dirt and grime mostly seen in the white dress which would remove easily from a proper cleaning which would revive some lost color and depth. Jack's original art is scarcely available for purchase as almost all his works are exclusively held in private collections and the hands of his descendants. 

If you have any questions please feel free to email us below or contact us by phone at 407-739-3068.