American History: Premier Auction

Lot of 16 pen, ink, and pastel sketches, most approx. 17.5 x 23 in., most involving FBI officials W. Mark Felt, nicknamed "Deep Throat," and Edward Miller. Sketches include two depictions of witness Richard Nixon, as well as renderings of the judge, jury, attorneys and defendants, as well as courtroom action. Accompanied by printed biography autographed by the artist.

While this lot contains 16 sketches, 8 are pictured here. For further information on the non-pictured sketches, please contact Cowan's.

In 1978, FBI officials W. Mark Felt and Edward Miller, along with Acting FBI Director L. Patrick Gray, were indicted for approving illegal break-ins during the tenures of four FBI directors (Hoover, Gray, Ruchelshaus, and Kelly); charges against Gray were dismissed in 1980. Felt and Miller were convicted (at the jury trial in the District of Columbia federal court sketched by Joan Andrew) in November 1980, but pardoned by President Reagan. Many years later, it was revealed that Mr. Felt was, in fact, Watergate's "Deep Throat."

Joan Andrew, Washington Post and CNN Sketch Artist

Collection of Original Sketches

Lots 210-221

Joan Andrew, a graduate of the University of Colorado, is an award-winning painter, sculptor, and weaver. From 1981 until 1984, Andrew also worked as a sketch artist for the Washington Post and CNN, illustrating the proceedings in the United States District Court, the Supreme Court, and the Senate. Working in quickly in Prisma colored pencil, Andrew was often required to complete upwards of eight drawings per session, sometimes averaging one portrait every fifteen minutes. Her adept renderings of scenes from the courtroom and Senate floor document important scenes of U.S. judicial and legislative history.