Description:

François Bernard (French/New Orleans, 1812-1875), "Member of the Burthe Family, reputedly Antoinette Estelle Millaudon Burthe (1819-1853)", 1856, oil on canvas, signed and dated lower left, handwritten note with sitter information attached to reverse of frame, 41 in. x 35 in. (oval), period frame. Note: Based on a handwritten note on the reverse of the frame, the painting offered in this lot is possibly a posthumous portrait of Antoinette Estelle Millaudon Burthe (1819-1853). The portrait was completed in 1856 by artist François Bernard, two years after Burthe’s death. Although not much is known about Antoinette, she was married to Judge Victor Burthe, a wealthy landowner and state political figure. He served as judge in the Carrollton Courthouse in the town of Carrollton, the seat of government in Jefferson Parish from 1855 to 1874. Victor and Antoinette’s fathers, Dominque François Burthe (1785-1852) and Laurent Millaudon (c. 1785-1868) were prominent figures and are considered founding fathers of Carrollton, Louisiana. Both men served as Presidents of the New Orleans and Carrollton Railroad Company, one of the first public transit trolley systems in the urban United States. Burthe and Millaudon Streets in Carrollton retain the men’s surnames to this day as a tribute to the legacy of the two families. This lovely portrait presents the sitter in calm repose with her arm placed on a table at her side. Within arm’s reach sits a vase of flowers executed in precise detail. Her jewelry is finely represented as well, making it possible to study the small birds depicted on the brooch at the sitter’s neck. The canvas highlights Bernard’s sharp eye for detail and versatility in his agile portrayal of both still life and portraiture.

  • Condition: If Condition is NOT stated in the description of the lot, the absence of a condition report does not indicate the lot is free of damage or condition issues. Available Condition Reports will appear as an additional image. Condition Reports and photographs may be requested on items until the Wednesday prior to the auction. Bid accordingly. All sales are final, no returns are accepted on the basis of condition.

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April 9, 2022 11:00 AM CDT
New Orleans, LA, US

Neal Auction Company

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $99 $10
$100 $999 $25
$1,000 $4,999 $50
$5,000 $9,999 $100
$10,000 $49,999 $500
$50,000 $99,999 $1,000
$100,000 + $2,000