{"product_id":"jesse-gurule-navajo-folk-art-courtroom-scene-commissioned-two-piece-carving","title":"Jesse Gurule, Navajo Folk Art Courtroom Scene, Commissioned Two-Piece Carving","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn extraordinary one-of-a-kind courtroom scene by Diné (Navajo) artist Jesse Gurule, commissioned as a wedding gift for a Pennsylvania attorney. Carved and painted entirely by hand, the ambitious two-piece composition brings together a judge, defendant, and twelve-member jury, each rendered with an individual personality and expression.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe larger section presents the jury seated in three tightly arranged rows behind a wooden rail. Gurule’s vigorously faceted carving gives each juror a distinctive appearance, with exaggerated noses, deeply set eyes, varied clothing, hairstyles, gestures, and expressions. Together, they form a wonderfully animated cast of characters who appear alternately attentive, skeptical, amused, and bewildered by the proceedings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe companion section depicts the stern, white-bearded judge seated behind his bench, facing a solitary defendant. A pair of carved candlestick-like objects and a small container marked “White XXX Lightning” rest prominently on the judge’s desk—a particularly humorous detail suggesting that the judge may be enjoying something stronger than courtroom coffee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe work is a remarkable example of narrative American folk and outsider art, combining caricature, social observation, humor, and an impressive degree of sculptural complexity. Its history as a personal commission for an attorney gives the courtroom subject special significance, while its direct descent through the recipient’s family provides unusually strong provenance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarved and painted wood. Signed by the artist. American Southwest, circa 1970s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent overall condition, with minor surface wear consistent with age. The figures, courtroom furnishings, and architectural elements remain exceptionally well preserved.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJury section: approximately 17.5 x 8 x 9 inches tall.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJudge and defendant section: approximately 11 x 8 x 9 inches tall.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommissioned directly from Jesse Gurule as a wedding gift for a Pennsylvania attorney. Acquired directly from the recipient’s family.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ziebarth's Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45503179456535,"sku":null,"price":2350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0251\/0713\/6546\/files\/IMG_3500-Photoroom.jpg?v=1789004580","url":"https:\/\/ziebarths.com\/products\/jesse-gurule-navajo-folk-art-courtroom-scene-commissioned-two-piece-carving","provider":"Ziebarth's Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}