The New York Years
(1873 to 1909)
| That which follows is a chronological listing of articles about the artist Gegoux, which were found in the newspapers of his time. These articles represent most of what is known and believed about the artist. Faithfully compiled from microfilm copies of the old newspapers. Please forgive the miss-spelled names and any other errors. Efforts have been made to assure that the information is as accurate as possible. |
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Chapter Three - The Moonlight Effect of Joseph Vernet
European Travels - (December 4, 1880 to October 15, 1881) |
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"Mr. Gegoux's trip abroad will better enable him to accomplish his desired object - the carrying of the work of art to a higher state of perfection."
The Jefferson County Journal - 1881. |
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The news of this period shows Gegoux's plans for his trip to Paris as well as his almost frantic pace to complete portraits prior to his departure. Since Gegoux knew that he was returning to Watertown, it must be assumed that the rate of production is due, at least part, to Gegoux's need of money for the trip.
Gegoux was planning to travel to Europe as early as the winter of 1880. He must have talked up the trip to the locals because his plans first make news in December 1880. News of Gegoux's work during the first half of 1881 reflects a hectic level of activity to complete as many paintings as possible before leaving for Paris. Records show that Gegoux had naturalized his US citizenship in 1876. In his autobiography Gegoux tells of plans and accomplishments, " at the age of 23 we find Theo Gegoux the exbartender launching out into the art of portrait making. Having returned to Carthage N.Y., he opened a studio, and for nearly four years, continued to study portraiture in crayon, pastel and oil. But a larger field of operation was desirable and he resolved to remove his studio to Watertown, N.Y., where after two years of close attention to business, he had saved enough money to enable him to take a trip to Europe". Gegoux traveled to Paris France in 1881, where he studied art for several months. Gegoux describes his European trip in his auto-biography, "The reader must understand that this student had never received any instructions in the art of drawing and painting. And yet, while feasting his eyes on the many great works of art in the Louvre and in Luxembourg he was inspired to copy some of the Master Pieces, believing that he could acquire knowledge of colors by so doing. He decided to copy three masterpieces. First, a beautiful sunlight effect that which he found in Jules Breton's, "La Benediction des Blis". The next was a moonlight picture by Joseph Vernet. The third was a lamp light effect by Prud'hon, "Clytemnestra and Egistre" her accomplice. Having completed these three paintings which were considered excellent copies he returned to America with them and reopened his studio in Watertown, N.Y." Gegoux's copy of "The Blessing of Wheat at Artois" 1850, Jules Breton, is the only known example of Gegoux's Paris studies which stills exist today. Gegoux traveled between New York City and Le Havre aboard the Cimbria, an ill-fated steamship. Years later, in January 1883, the Cimbria would go to the bottom near Hamburg and 389 souls would perish following a collision in the fog with the British ship Sulton. The Cimbria was a dual masted steamer, which would have crossed the Atlantic in about nine days. On remarkable painting from this period is that of Mrs. E. D. Spencer's son, of Port Leyden. A life-size pastel crayon portrait created at an expense of $130. The painting is a full figure, and is nearly six feet high outside of frame. The location of the original is not at present known, but it was likely one of the largest pastel works that Gegoux ever executed. No larger examples are known. E. D. Spencer, a druggist, was a native of Port Leyden. Spencer's name also appears as one of the leading merchants of Port Leyden. The 1880 Federal census, Port Leyden, shows Edward D. Spencer, age 31; Emma D., age 32; and Eugene C. D., age 12. The 1900 Federal census for Port Leyden shows Emma (Head), born Nov 1847; Edward (Husband), born Nov 1847; and Douglass (son), born Oct 1883. The portrait would therefore be of the first son Eugene Spencer. Also the portrait would likely have passed to Douglas when Emma died in Rochester May 15, 1910. Despite being buried and owning property in Lewis County, no probate action was filed there when Emma died. The Monroe County probate records have not been examined as of this writing. It is hoped that further research may yet reveal the fate of this painting. Additionally, in the news of this period the readers are reminded that Gegoux was but 30 years of age and in the prime of his life. Romance could hardly be surprising, but no names are mentioned. |
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News of the Plans, Preparations, and Travel to Paris (Summer - 1881)
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3.001) The Watertown Daily Times - December 4, 1880 - Saturday Prof. Gegoux is contemplating a visit to the city of Paris for the purpose of the further study of his art. |
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3.002) The Watertown Daily Times - December 6, 1880 - Monday Prof. Gegoux is contemplating a trip to Paris for a study of his art skills, which he has already so well acquired. |
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3.003) The Democrat, Lowville, Lewis County - December 29, 1880 Mrs. Wm. Boshart presented her husband with a fine life sized portrait on Christmas. The work was executed by Prof. Theo. Gegoux, of Watertown, and is said to be one of his best. |
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3.004) The Journal & Republican - Lowville- December 30, 1880 - Wednesday Theodore Gegoux has lately finished a life size pastel crayon portrait of Mrs. Wm. L. Boshart at an expense of $55. It is said to be a fine piece of work. It was a Christmas present to Mr. Boshart. |
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3.005) The Watertown Daily Times - January 19, 1881 - Wednesday About twenty couples arranged a surprise party for Miss Jane Mothersill last evening. It was a complete success and the occasion was a very happy one. During the evening Prof. Gegoux presented Miss Mothersill with a beautiful painting. |
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3.006) The Watertown Daily Times - February 15, 1881 - Tuesday A beautiful picture of a dog which graces Hanford & Waterman's window adds fresh laurels to Prof. Gegoux's well earned fame as an artist. |
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3.007) The Watertown Times - February 25, 1881 - Friday The French Fair. - A large number gathered at the hall last night, it being the closing evening of the fair given by the ladies of the French church. The prizes drawn were as follows: scarf, Theo. Gegoux; quilt Ella Phillips; carriage spread. J. D. Simons; book, Louise Vien; slippers. Byron J. Smith: bed quilt, Albert Dangel; white spread, Henry Martin; jewelry case. F. Momson; slippers, Miss Kittie Delan; bed quilt, Bridget Hennesy: white oleander, Mrs. A. Bodreau. |
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3.008) The Watertown Daily Times - April 8, 1881 - Friday Prof. Gegoux has added another laurel to his fair name and fame. The same may be seen in Hanford's window. The children represented are Sebastian Quencer's. |
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3.009) The Watertown Daily Times - April 12, 1881 - Tuesday Miss Pauline Haherer of Lowville , and Prof. Gegoux of Watertown, spent Sunday in Carthage. |
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3.010) The Watertown Daily Times - April 22, 1881 - Friday Prof. Gegoux is now painting a life size portrait of Mrs. E. D. Spencer's son, of Port Leyden, who died almost a year ago. The portrait is being executed in pastel at an expense of $130. (Note: The portrait was of Eugene C. D. Spencer, aged 12 years) |
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3.011) The Watertown Daily Times - April 27, 1881 - Wednesday Mrs. Annetta Flynn is having a life-size crayon portrait executed of her deceased daughter "Mollie." Gegoux is the artist. |
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3.012) The Democrat, Lowville, Lewis County - April 27, 1881 A PORTRAIT of the late son of J. E. Spencer, of Port Leyden, is being made by Prof. Gegoux, in pastel. |
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3.013) The Journal & Republican - Lowville - April 28, 1881 - Thursday Prof. Gegoux will be in town on Saturday this week, to deliver some of his work, he will come on the evening train. |
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3.014) The Journal & Republican - Lowville - April 28, 1881 - Thursday Prof. Gegoux, of Watertown is executing a life-size pastel crayon portrait of Mrs. E. D. Spencer's son, of Port Leyden, at an expense of $130. The painting is a full figure, and is nearly six feet high outside of frame. (Note: The portrait was of Eugene C. D. Spencer, aged 12 years) |
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3.015) The Watertown Daily Times - April 28, 1881 - Thursday Mrs. A. E. Baron and Mrs. Van Namee are having some life size crayon portraits of their father and mother. Gegoux is the artist. |
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3.016) The Watertown Daily Times - May 5, 1881 - Thursday Mrs. Lyman A. Howard is having Prof. Gegoux crayon a portrait of her little daughter, Edith Delay. |
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3.017) The Watertown Herald - May 6, 1881 - Friday A life size portrait of a young son of Mrs. Spencer, of Port Leydon painted by Prof. Gegoux of this city, can be seen in G. R. Hanford & Co.'s sales window. It is excellently painted. (Note: The portrait was of Eugene C. D. Spencer, aged 12 years) |
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3.018) The Watertown Daily Times - May 12, 1881 - Thursday A Lifelike Portrait. There is on exhibition at Hanford's show window a fine work of art. It is a life-size pastel crayon portrait of Miss Libbie Kapfer of Carthage, the work of Prof. Gegoux. This is certainly one of the best pieces of coloring ever exhibited in our city. |
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3.019) The Watertown Daily Times - May 13, 1881 - Friday Prof. Gegoux's studio will be closed until Monday. He leaves today for Lowville and Port Leydon on business. |
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3.020) The Watertown Daily Times - May 16, 1881 - Monday Prof. Gegoux has returned to his studio from his trip through Lewis county. |
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3.021) The Watertown Daily Times - May 17, 1881 - Tuesday We have often wondered what the attraction was that drew Artist Gegoux to Carthage about every Saturday evening to remain over Sunday, but now we have discovered the "lode stone," and cheerfully admit that its attractiveness will draw a large person right towards it. In fact, a number of our town boys have felt its influence, but being of a negative disposition, they soon found a repulsion, but our friend Gegoux "is just the stuff." |
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3.022) The Watertown Daily Times - May 18, 1881 - Wednesday Prof. Gegoux is now finishing a life-size crayon portrait of Mrs. J. M. Tilden. The portrait is for a present to Mr. Tilden. |
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3.023) The Watertown Daily Times - May 26, 1881 - Wednesday The Antwerp Gazette says - Mrs. H. N. Holden, of this town, is having painted a life-size crayon portrait of her late husband. Prof. Theo. Gegoux, of Watertown, is the artist. |
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3.024) The Watertown Daily Times, May 27, 1881 - Friday Mrs. C. A. Nott, of Syracuse, is having a crayon portrait painted of her deceased sister. Theo. Gegoux is the artist. |
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3.025) The Daily Courier - Syracuse - May 31, 1881 - Tuesday The Watertown Times says: Mrs. O. A. Nott, of Syracuse, is having a crayon portrait painted of her deceased sister. Prof. Gegoux is the artist. |
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3.026) The Watertown Daily Times - June 16, 1881 - Thursday Prof. Gegoux will sail for France early in July. He purchased his tickets of Baker yesterday. |
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3.027) The Watertown Daily Times - June 30, 1881 - Thursday Prof. Gegoux will leave Watertown on his extended trip across the ocean on Tuesday next (July 5, 1881). |
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3.028) The Watertown Daily Times - July 5, 1881 - Tuesday Theodore Gegoux Theo. Gegoux leaves today for New York, from which place he will sail tomorrow for Paris, where he will spend a few weeks. Mr. Gegoux has met with remarkable success since he moved to our city, and all who have examined his work, know how well it is deserved. Mr. Gegoux is what might be called a natural born artist. He has had no training whatever. He is self taught in his profession. Over five years ago, he learned the art of photography, and soon after turned his attention to portrait painting. He settled in Carthage, but his business increasing he moved to this city a few years ago. Since that time his success has been most remarkable, he being compelled to work night and day at his profession. He receives orders for portrait paintings from all over the state, and never fails to give entire satisfaction. His success is due entirely to his genius and untiring energy, and no one certainly merits it more. While in Paris he will study portrait painting, principally from observation. He will also receive a much needed rest, and will return invigorated in body and better than ever to satisfactorily carry on his profession. The Times wishes him continued prosperity, a pleasant voyage, and a safe return to his friends in Watertown. |
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3.029) The Democrat, Lowville, Lewis County - July 6, 1881
Prof. Theo. Gegoux has left Watertown for Europe, where he will remain a few weeks.
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3.030) The Journal & Republican - Lowville - July 7, 1881 - Thursday Prof. Theodore Gegoux of Watertown, formerly of Lowville, departed of Paris on Tuesday and will be absent for several weeks. |
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3.031) The Watertown Daily Times - July 19, 1881 - Saturday "Reade, the tailor" whose cheerful likeness, admirably drawn by Prof. Gegoux, may be seen at the entrance of the American arcade, and who has an office or business room at No. 11, in the same building, is carrying on business on a plan wholly new to most people outside of the large cities. Garments are made entirely from sample. Call on him and he will explain how the thing is done. He keeps no large stocks on which he is paying or losing interest, has no remnants, and his rent is merely nominal. So he proposes to do work at the lowest figures and in the best manner. He has been open about one month, with the most satisfactory results. He invites those who want anything in the line of wearing apparel to give him a trial, and the Times can see no reason why the invitation should not be accepted. |
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3.033) The Watertown Daily Times, September 30, 1881 - Friday The crayon portrait of T. A. Edison, the electrician, on exhibition at Sterling & Meher - Arcade window, is the work of Prof. Gegoux, and is valued at thirty dollars, is now offered at half-price by the family who drew it at the French fair and are in need of the cash. |
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3.033) The Watertown Daily Times, October 12, 1881 - Wednesday Prof. Gegoux has returned from a pleasant trip to Paris and other French cities, and is being warmly greeted by old friends and associates. He will reopen his studio in the American Arcade on Monday next and is better prepared than ever to fill orders. |
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3.034) The Democrat, Lowville, Lewis County - October 12, 1881 Prof. Theo. Gegoux, the artist, has returned from his European trip. |
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3.035) The Jefferson County Journal, Adams, N. Y. - October 19, 1881 Returned Home - The artist, Prof. Gegoux, after several weeks visit to Paris, the city of art, and other cities of note on the continent of Europe, returned home last week Wednesday (Oct 13, 1881), has reopened his studio at his old place of business, the American Arcade (22, 23, & 24), where he will be pleased to wait upon his patrons as formerly who may favor him to call. The best advertising medium that the Professor puts before the public is work which alone sustains his reputation as an artist. Mr. Gegoux's trip abroad will better enable him to accomplish his desired object - the carrying of the work of art to a higher state of perfection of which he is fast becoming one of its able masters. |
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Theodore Gegoux, Los Angeles - 2008 - Copyright © All Rights Reserved
theodore@gegoux.com - http://www.gegoux.com/ - 909-987-2622 Disclaimer - Information provided in this document is intended for educational purposes only. Considerable effort has gone into assuring the accuracy of the information provided in this document. However, the compiler of the information Theodore Gegoux, Rancho Cucamonga, California assumes no liability either explicit or implied for decisions made by readers of this document based on information contained herein. Readers are admonished to personally evaluate the information contained herein and to act only on their own best judgment. Copyright © All Rights Reserved by Copyright Holders - The compilers' use of information in this document does not imply consent of the copyright holders for any use of this information outside this booklet. Copyright issues regarding information contained in this document must be resolved directly with the copyright holders. |
Information discovered in the Northern New York Historical Newspapers © Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved.
and at the Old Fulton Post Cards © Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved.
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