John L. Magee (abt. 1820-1900)

oil on canvas

circa 1846-49

24 ½ in. by 30 in.

with typewritten note adhered to verso:

This painting was No. 236 in a "Catalogue of Works of Art purchased by the American Art-Union, to be distributed by lot among the members at the annual meeting in December next." It was described as:- "236 Reading of an Official Despatch (30 x 24 ½) J.L. Magee, A family receiving news of the death of one of its members in battle; a friend is reading the newspaper to the wife; whom the rest are endeavoring to console."

Bulletin of the American Art-Union, Nov. 1849, Vol. II No. 8 / page 4?

In the December number (Vol. II, No. 9) it is stated that the painting was drawn by G.M. Bowen, N.Y. who held ticket No. 12671.

above a handwritten note inscribed Reading of the Mexican Dispatch: War between U.S. and Mexico 1846. Man in foreground friend of soldier husband who has just been killed. Wife is seen in center, weeping, her little girl by her side and her boy near by looks on sorrowfully. Through the window a boy is seen calling, "Extra."

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