Monday, January 5, 2009

The Minstrel of Metairie


I was at an antique store in Louisiana when my eye was drawn to this portrait of a minstrel selling for $75. I talked the price down to $50, but I wasn't sure I wanted to pay that much for a pencil sketch. I try to think it over carefully before buying a piece of art, fearing that my impulsive purchase will drain the bank account by hundreds of dollars while the 'Picasso' I couldn't live without ends up in the garage next to the Laserdisc player. So, I didn't get it.

A couple of months passed and I couldn't shake the feeling I still wanted it. Since it was the first piece of art that jumped out at me in awhile, I went back to the store and, lo and behold, it was still there. I got the price down another $10 and it was all mine!

It is an untitled piece by Evan(?) Soule... I've decided to call it "The Minstrel of Metairie."

I would just love it if someone wrote to say this artist's work is on display at the Met.

7 comments:

Barbara Martin said...

Although I have never heard of the artist, David, the picture speaks to me, too. Almost like the Pied Piper.

Gary Dobbs/Jack Martin said...

The picture looks cool - wonder what tune he's playing?

David Cranmer said...

Barbara, Yes and when I look at a piece of art and want to know more than it's time to buy. I'm sorry the photo came out just a tad blurry. It's time to buy a new camera.

Gary, I'm sure he's playing Rule, Britannia!

Anonymous said...

I like your drawing but I would not know what to buy when it comes to art.

Charles Gramlich said...

I had to check out a post that mentioned metairie.

David Cranmer said...

sertech, Neither do I. If I like it, I buy it. Not too brilliant I'm afraid.

Charles, My wife came up with that title. I was hoping you would say the artist is an old college buddy of yours.

Josh, It is in a way that's hard to explain.

Reb said...

That is a very nice sketch David. Art is so subjective, that as long as you enjoy the piece, what does it matter if no one has ever heard of the artist. There are a lot of famous artworks out there that leave me cold.