User:Edward James Gay
George Schmidt | |
|---|---|
| Born | Henry George Schmidt, Jr. November 14, 1944 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Tulane University (B.A., M.F.A.) |
| Known for | Painting, printmaking, music |
| Movement | Realism, historical satire |
George Schmidt (born Henry George Schmidt, Jr.; November 14, 1944) is an American painter, printmaker, and musician based in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is known for historically themed oil paintings with satirical elements and for co-founding and performing with the New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, where he serves as lead singer and banjo player. His work combines classical technique with historical and cultural narrative, particularly related to Louisiana.
Early life and education
[edit]George Schmidt was born on November 14, 1944, at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans to Henry George Schmidt, Sr. and Josephine (née Gogreve), operators of the Lauralee Guest House on St. Charles Avenue. Both parents were of German descent. Schmidt attended the Sam Barthe School for Boys, where he first developed an interest in drawing, and later De La Salle High School, where he played tuba in the school marching band. In his senior year, he painted The Assassination of Huey Long for a class project. He received a scholarship to Tulane University, where he initially studied architecture before earning a Bachelor of Arts in painting and drawing. He completed his Master of Fine Arts at Tulane in 1973 under painter Pat Trivigno.
Artistic career
[edit]Schmidt’s realist style is influenced by 19th-century painters such as Adolf Menzel and Edgar Degas. His work often blends historical narratives with satire and social commentary, particularly in relation to Louisiana history and culture.
In 1984, Schmidt presented a solo exhibition, A History of Jazz, at the New Orleans Museum of Art, and served as the first artist-in-residence at the Louisiana World Exposition. He was commissioned to create A History of Carnival for the InterContinental Hotel in New Orleans. In the 1990s, he traveled to Irian Jaya (Indonesian New Guinea) on commission from Freeport McMoRan to paint scenes depicting the Amugme and Mamika tribes. Two of his works, Nick LaRocca at the Corner of Canal and Royal Streets, 1915 and The Arrest of Louis Armstrong, were shown at the 1999 Florence Biennale in Italy.
In 2012, his solo exhibition Satire, Scandal and Spectacle: The Art of George Schmidt was presented at the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in honor of Louisiana’s bicentennial.
Schmidt has also produced etching series and printwork featuring New Orleans street scenes and cultural icons. His works appear in public and private collections in the United States, Europe, and Asia. His pieces are included in the permanent collections of the InterContinental Hotel and Generations Hall in New Orleans and have appeared at major auction houses such as Crescent City Auction Gallery and New Orleans Auction Galleries.
Musical career
[edit]While studying at Tulane, Schmidt co-founded the New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, a revivalist ensemble focused on early 20th-century dance music. He serves as the group’s lead singer and banjo player. The orchestra performs a repertoire that includes ragtime, Tin Pan Alley, and \"Oriental foxtrot\" music.
The group has appeared regularly at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and was featured on NBC’s Saturday Night Live during a special Mardi Gras broadcast in 1977. Their music has been featured in the soundtracks of several films, including Woody Allen’s Bullets Over Broadway (1994) and Mark Frost’s Storyville (1992).
Personal life
[edit]Schmidt has long resided in New Orleans, where he operates the George Schmidt Gallery on Julia Street. He is the life partner of the historic preservationist Patty Gay.
Legacy
[edit]Schmidt is recognized for his dual contributions to the visual and performing arts in Louisiana. His paintings offer a satirical but affectionate interpretation of local history, while his musical work has helped preserve and popularize early American dance music.
Selected works
[edit]- A History of Jazz (1984)
- A History of Carnival (1980s)
- Nick LaRocca at the Corner of Canal and Royal Streets, 1915 (1990s)
- The Arrest of Louis Armstrong (1990s)
- The Oyster Dance, Storyville (1989)