Early George Rodrigue, Bridge at Jeanerette, oil on canvas board, 1969

George Rodrigue American/Louisiana, 1944-2013 "Bridge at Jeanerette" oil on canvas board 1969, signed lower left, "Reilly Gallery, New Orleans, LA" stamp en verso, receipt from "Reilly Gallery, New Orleans, LA" with title on backing paper, framed. Provenance: Reilly Gallery, New Orleans, LA, Jan. 5, 1970. Note: In March of 1967, George Rodrigue returned to his hometown of New Iberia, Louisiana from the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, where he had been studying traditional painting techniques, abstract expressionism, pop art and hard-edge painting. As he explored his own path forward as an artist, Rodrigue's earliest landscapes from 1967 to 1970 often included elements such as cabins and small figures. As his unique vision of Louisiana developed however, he abandoned these additional components in favor of the oak tree alone – his symbol of his home state. As he began to develop local supporters, Rodrigue was introduced to the famous Louisiana architect, A. Hays Town, and his advice to the young artist further transformed Rodrigue's approach. Town told him to "treat each painting like a jewel, because if it is precious to you, it will be precious to others as well." The lot offered here entitled "Bridge at Jeanerette" from 1969 is an excellent representational piece that serves as a window into the early development of the artist. In it, the bridge stretches back from the foreground to the high horizon line punctuated with imposing oak trees, leading the eye through the bayou scenery and towards the skyline. Despite its modest size, Rodrigue was able to pack in myriad visual elements, making it truly a jewel of a piece. References: Rodrigue, Wendy. "Early Oak Trees and a Regrettable Self-Portrait." George Rodrigue Life & Legacy Foundation. Oct. 14, 2009. www.legacyarttour.org. Accessed Oct. 26, 2026; Rodrigue, Wendy. "Remembering Lafayette's Advocates for the Arts, Circa 1969." George Rodrigue Life & Legacy Foundation. June 22, 2010. www.legacyarttour.org. Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.

Estimate:$6,000

View all items fromNeal Auction CompanyorArts & Graphics