James E Routh, Jr.

James E. Routh, Jr. passed away today at the age of 98. Jim was know for his collection of American Powder Horns. Some of the Powder Horns from Jim's collection can be seen here. Jim was also known for his drawings and printmaking.

"Mississippi Delta"

Jim, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, created several lithographs in 1940 based on sketches made that year during a tour of the South, which was supported by a Rosenwald Fund fellowship. One of these lithographs, Mississippi Delta, is housed at theGeorgia Museum of Art in Athens. Routh studied at the Art Students League with Sternberg and painter Raphael Soyer, and under the guidance of Will Barnet at the League, he learned how to print lithographs. He and Barnet printed lithographs for both students and established artists alike at the League.

Eternal rest grant unto Jim, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

James E. Routh, Jr.

Jim Routh, a perceptive and talented artist, became fascinated by the artistic as well as the historical appeal of beautifully engraved powder horns. Over many years, he has built an accomplished, diverse collection of horns representing different regional styles and talents from the 1750’s to the 1780’s. Each of his nine horns has been carefully selected with the keen eye of a connoisseur and the sensitivity of a fine artist who recognizes and appreciates the efforts of those artists who created his wonderful collection two hundred years earlier.

William H. Guthman ~ 1999

Photo supplied by Mel Hankla.