Lot 324: Robert Wadsworth Grafton (American/Indiana,

Robert Wadsworth Grafton (American/Indiana, 1876-1936, active New Orleans, 1914-1920), "Reflections of Luggar's Landing, New Basin Canal", oil on board, signed and dated "1918" lower right, 16 in. x 20 in.

Note: In the early twentieth century, a flowering of American Impressionism developed in the Midwest, centered in Indianapolis and South Indiana's Brown County art colony (which had ties to Chicago). Inspired and encouraged by the artists T.C. Steele, William Forsyth and John Otis Adams, collectively known as the Hoosier Group, the next generation of artists painted the landscape and the world around them. Robert Grafton and his friend and fellow Indiana artist, Louis Oscar Griffith, often visited New Orleans in the early 20th century and were captivated by the historic buildings and waterways that made up the city and by the lively art community which was largely centered in the French Quarter. With thick, lush brushwork, Robert Grafton beautifully renders the reflections of the boats in the water in this Impressionistic painting of the New Basin Canal. Interestingly, the luggars trail a smaller boat that was used for going ashore and for easier maneuvering through the canal.