Lot 371: Alfred de Gault (American/New Orleans, 19th c.),

Alfred de Gault (American/New Orleans, 19th c.), "American Arcadia", oil on canvas, signed lower right, signed, titled, dated "1874", and inscribed "presented by the author to John N. Lewis, Esq., N.Y." en verso, 10 in. x 12 in., in a period frame.

Note: A native of New Orleans, Alfred de Gault traveled to Europe where he studied with the renowned Spanish landscape artist Diaz de la Pena. By the mid 1870s, de Gault was apparently working in New York City when he painted "American Arcadia" for John N. Lewis. Lewis, a prominent attorney of the day, was actively involved in New York City politics. Set within the unspoiled and pristine wilderness, de Gault depicted a Native American couple enjoying a solitary moment together fishing beside a stream. The painting indicates a harmonious relationship between man and nature.