Robert Wadsworth Grafton (American, 1876-1936

Robert Wadsworth Grafton (American, 1876-1936, active New Orleans, 1916-1920) , "Pirate's Alley at Royal Street, New Orleans", 1919, oil on canvas, signed and dated lower right, "Meredith Long & Company" label with artist on backing board, 24 1/4 in. x 16 in., framed with artist plaque . Provenance: Meredith Long & Company, Houston, TX; Estate of James H. Stone, New Orleans. Note: From 1916-1920, Robert Grafton rented a studio in the French Quarter during the winters, sharing space with his friend Louis Oscar Griffith who was also escaping the harsh Midwestern weather. During his time here, Grafton enjoyed painting the many historic views of the city, particularly those in the area of the French Quarter surrounding St. Louis Cathedral. His beautiful pastel palette greatly complements St. Anthony’s garden as well as the buildings that line Pirate’s Alley, creating the lovely atmospheric effect of a bright sunny day. The alley, which runs along the western side of the cathedral, has a rich and often embellished history, with legends of the pirates Jean and Pierre Lafitte meeting with President Andrew Jackson. While Pierre Lafitte was in fact detained in the “Calabozo,” or prison (which was located next to the cathedral in what is now the Cabildo), he famously escaped in 1814, perhaps through this eponymous alleyway, and eventually both brothers helped the United States Military during the Battle of New Orleans. Dimensions: