Theodore Gegoux - The New York Years (1873 to 1909)

Theodore Gegoux
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.

Chapter Seven - To Make Faces: Portrait Clubs
Watertown and Point Vivian Studios - 1893 to 1896

"His cottage at Point Vivian, on the St. Lawrence river, had been destroyed by fire, together with all its contents nearly his entire summer's work in painting and sketching of scenes and landscapes in the Thousand Island region is gone."
The Watertown Herald - 1893.

Gegoux has been referred to as an art teacher and here we see documents that substantiate that activity. One article refers to his continued teaching and sadly one of his most successful students, Peter Haley, dies young.
Gegoux has often been called a violinist, some have said "country fiddler". Here for the first time we receive confirmation of Gegoux's talent with the violin. Prof. Gegoux and a colleague serve as the orchestra during a stage play. This speaks directly to Gegoux's capabilities with the violin.
When William Seibert's cafe at No. 50 Court street opened to the public in July of 1895, Gegoux paintings lined the entrance hall. It is not known what became of these pictures.
Again we see news about Gegoux's posthumous portraiture. This type of portraiture was a Gegoux trademark and provided him with sustained business, even though Gegoux himself did not care for this type of work.

News from Watertown (October 1893 to 1896)

7.001) The Watertown Times, April 13 to June 13, 1893
SILK AT 9 CTS. PER YARD
A Silk Dress for $1.80
If you see a display of calico in the window, with a card attached, on which is written: "This lot of silk at 9 cts. per yard," you will say: "Do they take us for fools?" But what about those portraits exhibited to you by agents and photographers, labeled crayon portraits, and sold at $3 to $6. Do you believe them to be as represented, "crayon portraits?" Always ask for a free hand crayon portrait call at Gegoux's studio, see sample.

7.002) The Watertown Times, April 18, 1893 - Tuesday
Gegoux, the artist will leave for Point Vivian about the first of May to supervise the rebuilding of his studio.

7.003) The Watertown Times - May 16, 1893 - Tuesday
Theodore Gegeoux, the artist, has just completed a life-sized pastel portrait of the late Master Raymond Frank, only son of Mr. and Mrs., Frank D. Dezengremel, of Cape Vincent. It is an excellent piece of work, finely executed, and is highly prized by its owners.

7.004) The Watertown Times, May 20, 1893 - Saturday
On-the-St. Lawrence says: Theodore Gegoux, Watertown's noted artist, whose cottage at Point Vivian was lately destroyed by fire, was on the river Wednesday. He has completed the arrangements for replacing his cottage and work will be commenced this week.

7.005) The Watertown Times, June 23 to July 16, 1893 Wednesday
MY - Watertown Studio will remain closed until the 5th of September. Parties wanting my services before then, please address me at Point Vivian, N. Y. Theo Gegoux, Portrait Painter.

7.006) The Watertown Times, July 10, 1893 - Monday
Prof. Gegoux and wife came up from their summer home at Point Vivian today for a brief stay.

7.007) The Watertown Times, July 10, 1893 - Monday
FACTS FROM THE RIVER
.......
Point Vivian is the next resort. Here there are a number of cottages, but no hotel, a noticeable improvement is the new cottage built by Prof. Theodore Gegoux, of Watertown, who was burned out a few months ago.

7.008) The Watertown Times, July 17, 1893 - Saturday
The new cottage being erected by Prof. Theo. Gegoux, of Watertown, near the dock at Point Vivian, is almost completed, and is now occupied by the artist and his family. Prof. Gegoux is the postmaster at that resort, and while not out upon the water tempting the finny tribe be is busy painting island scenes.

7.009) The Watertown Herald - July 22, 1893 - Saturday
Theodore Gegoux, the artist, has closed his city studio for his more pleasant quarters at Point Vivian.

7.010) The Watertown Times, August 5, 1893 - Saturday
Among the Watertownians at Point Vivian are: Prof, Theo. Gegoux and family, George H. Mowe and family ...

7.011) The Watertown Times, August 14, 1893 - Monday
Theo. Gegoux and family are occupying their new cottage. Miss Montgomery is spending a few days with them.

7.012) The Watertown Times, August 16, 1893 - Wednesday
Rose Island, with its elegant cottage, arched bridge and Moorish summer house, is one of the beauty spots on the river. Rose Island is situated in the main channel just below Point Vivian, and is now occupied by its owner, ex-Mayor W. G. Rose, of Cleveland, Ohio, and wife. Official duty has kept Mr. Rose away from the river for the past two years, but early in May this season found him at his island home, where he will remain until the middle of September.
His son, H. P. Rose, brought his young and charming wife to Rose Island the first of August for a three weeks' stay. This is the younger Mrs. Rose's first visit to the St. Lawrence.

7.013) The Watertown Times, August 16, 1893 - Wednesday
Prof. Theo. Gegoux, of Watertown, is the efficient postmaster at Point Vivian.

7.014) On the St. Lawrence - August 18, 1893
Among the landscape paintings recently completed by Professor Theodore Gegoux of Watertown and Point Vivian is a moonlight scene on the St. Lawrence which is perfectly true to nature. Another work which posses the stamp of genius is the illumination picture of ex-mayor Rose's cottage and the arched bridge connecting his place with Gypsy Island. A scene off Fiddler's Elbow and one nearing completion entitled "The Fisherman" picture the exquisite harmony of the river and the vivid power of imagination of the artist.

7.015) The Watertown Times, September 11, 1893 - Monday
Prof. Theo. Gegoux is home from his cottage at Point Vivian.

7.016) The Daily Times, Watertown - September 16, 1893 - Saturday
Mrs. L . M. Gardiner, of Gouverneur, was in the city yesterday. She has ordered a life-size crayon portrait of her daughter, the late Mrs. Booth. Gegoux is the artist.

7.017) The Daily Times, Watertown - September 16 to 27, 1893 - Tuesday
GEGOUX'S STUDIO - Opened.
On and after the 19th inst. my studio will be opened to the public. All are invited to come and see my new productions in portraits and landscape paintings. Will open a club rate on the above date. Bring your best photos.

7.018) The Daily Times, Watertown - September 27, 1893 - Tuesday
A beautiful crayon portrait of the late Mrs. F. W. Hughes is on exhibition at Gegoux's studio. Friends are Invited to see it.

7.019) The Daily Times, Watertown - September 28, 1893 - Thursday
A beautiful oil painting of Rev. C. E. Maxfield, of the Baptist church, is on exhibition in the show window of H. J. Snook & Company's clothing store in the Woodruff house building. It is from the brush of Artist Theo. Gegoux, and the painting itself speaks the loudest praises for the excellence of the work.

7.020) The Watertown Herald - September 30, 1893 - Saturday
A beautiful oil painting of Rev. C. E. Maxfield, of the Baptist church, is on exhibition in the show window of H, J. Snook & Company's clothing store in the Woodruff house building. It is from the brush of Artist Theo. Gegoux, and the painting itself speaks the loudest praises for the excellence of the work.

7.021) The Watertown Herald - October 7, 1893 - Saturday
Prof. Gegoux is teaching crayoning.

7.022) The Daily Times, Watertown - October 21, 1893 - Saturday
GEGOUX'S studio opened. "Clubs" are being formed at nearly half the regular rates. Bring your best photos, or come and sit.

7.023) The Daily Times, Watertown - November 2, 1893 - Thursday
Exhibition of Painting.
Theodore Gegoux, the artist, has arranged an attractive exhibition of landscape and figure paintings at his studio in the Van Namee block, which began yesterday and is to continue a week. In the two rooms devoted to this exhibition Mr. Gegoux has arranged a number of his latest productions, and will be pleased to exhibit them to the public.
In the reception room are a number of land and water scenes and figures, which command interest and admiration. Among the strongest of these is a picture of an elderly gentleman standing in his skiff and intensely interested in the task of reeling in a reluctant bass. There are other pictures representing scenes on the St. Lawrence, which awaken delightful memories of that charming locality.
In the upper room, which is the artist's sanctum sanctorum, a most unique exhibition has been arranged. The visitor is admitted into the workshop, the laboratory, is taken behind the scenes, as it were, so far as the surroundings are concerned. On every hand are finished and unfinished works and the materials of art, not purposely arranged for effect, but just as they are in the natural order of things.
The exhibition is what Mr. Gegoux has named a nocturnal exhibition, and is entirely composed of pictures of night scenes, in most of which the effect of artificial light upon natural darkness is the theme of the artist's brush. It is a singular and therefore a very interesting collection. Shades and reflectors are arranged in the evening so as to aid the eye in the conception of the pictures. One of the most pleasing in the lot is a representation of Rose island, near Alexandria Bay, illuminated as it frequently is at night during the summer season at the islands. Its tower and verandas, and the arched bridge, with their red, green and white lights, are painted with a realistic faithfulness which is almost startling, and it seems impossible to believe, in looking at the picture at night, that the effect is accomplished with the painter's brush and is not produced, as it seems to be, by the reflection of light through the canvas.
Another unusual effect is produced by the portrayal of the scene of the York & Son fire, as viewed by the artist from the roof of the Van Namee block. It will be remembered that that fire was a very brilliant one and that immense volumes of flame and smoke were sent up from it, intensifying the surrounding darkness and casting a peculiar reflection upon the new-fallen snow. This picture has many elements in it to command attention and repay study. A very pretty number of this collection is a painting of a cozy corner at evening, occupied by a lady and lighted by a handsome parlor lamp with a silk and lace shade. The artist has succeeded admirably in producing the effect of the soft light from this lamp upon the surroundings.
Other pictures of fire scenes and water scenes at night complete this collection, making altogether an exhibition of the new work of an artist of whom Watertown has for a long time been proud, and in whom it will never cease to be interested.

7.024) The Daily Times, Watertown - November 29, 1893 - Wednesday
Theo. Gegoux has just finished a very fine life-sized crayon of the late Mrs. L. J. Goodale, of Carthage. Friends are invited to call and see it.

7.025) The Watertown Herald - December 9, 1893 - Saturday
Theo. Gegoux has just finished a very fine life-sized crayon of the late Mrs. L.J. Goodale, of Carthage.

7.026)The Daily Times, Watertown - December 16, 1893
An excellent portrait of the late Mrs. J. F. George of Chamout is now on exhibit in Gegoux's studio.

7.027)The Daily Times, Watertown - February 2 to 28, 1894
During - The month of February I will make portraits at greatly reduced prices, specially from life. If you want a photograph enlarged, bring it in and get estimates. Portraits in oil, pastel and crayon of the best grade. Theodore Gegoux.

7.028)The Daily Times, Watertown - February 3, 1894 - Saturday
An excellent pastel portrait of the late J. C. Lepper (1816-1890) (Brookside), can be seen in Gegoux's show case.

7.029) The Daily Times, Watertown - February 5, 1894 - Monday
Mrs. Theo. Gegoux left this afternoon for Marietta, Ohio, being called there by the illness of her sister, Mrs. J. W. Pillsbury.

7.030) The Daily Times, Watertown - February 13, 1894 - Tuesday
Gegoux, the artist show case a fine crayon N. Robinson.

7.031) The Daily Times, Watertown - February 15, 1894 - Thursday
A beautiful pastel portrait of Dr. A. B. Stevens' daughter. Miss Grace, is now on exhibition at Gegoux's studio. All are invited to see this work of art.

7.032) The Daily Times, Watertown - February 17, 1894 - Saturday
Gegoux, the artist, has on exhibition in his studio a fine crayon portrait of the late H. Dean Waite (1841-1892) (Brookside).

7.033) The Daily Times, Watertown - March 6, 1894 - Tuesday
Chas. E. Vrooman, of Carthage, is having Gegoux produce a life-sized crayon portrait of his son, the late Fred D. Vrooman.

7.034) The Daily Times, Watertown - March 9 to 24, 1894 - Wednesday
YOU MAKE - No mistake when you get the best, especially in the line of portraiture. When you want a true and satisfactory portrait, either in oil, pastel, or crayon, at a reasonably low price, you are invited to call at my studio, 20 1/2 Public Square. Theo Gegoux

7.035) The Daily Times, Watertown - March 12, 1894 - Monday
Artist Gegoux has just completed an excellent pastel portrait of the late Miss Delia (1876-1894) (Brookside), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. S. Jones. It will be on view at his studio for a few days. Friends are invited.

7.036) The Daily Times, Watertown - April 5, 1894 - Thursday
There is now on exhibition at Gegoux's studio a fine crayon portrait of the late E. A. Dexert. Friends are invited to call and see it.

7.037) The Daily Times, Watertown - May 8 to 31, 1894 - Monday
DO YOU want a first class portrait in pastel of yourself or any one of your family, if so, join the club, which I am now forming. Only a few will be admitted, and all must give me sittings before I leave for the Islands. Call early and secure your ticket.
Theo Gegoux 20 1/2 Public Square

7.038) The Daily Times, Watertown - June 4, 1894 - Monday
In the window of D. S. Miller & Co.'s store is an elegant pastel full length representation of Clara Chambers (1886-1893)(Brookside), the deceased daughter of Henry P. Chambers. The work is by Gegoux and excellent, it being copied from a bust photograph.

7.039) The Daily Times, Watertown - June 9, 1894 - Saturday
Artist Gegoux is now completing a life - sized bust pastel portrait of the late Master Ross (1881-1894)(Clayton), son of Dr. George M. McCombs, of Clayton. It will make a beautiful picture.

7.040) The Watertown Herald - June 23, 1894 - Saturday
Gegoux, the artist has recently finished a life size bust pastel portrait of the late Flora E., daughter of Mr. Eri Cooley of Rodman. Although not painted from life, it looks very life like.

7.041) The Daily Times, Watertown - June 25, 1894/b>< - Monday
Artist Theo. Gegoux and family left this morning for Point Vivian, St. Lawrence river, where they will open their summer home and remain two months. Mr. Gegoux's studio here will be closed in the meantime.

7.042) The Watertown Herald - June 30, 1894 - Saturday
Prof. Gegoux is at Point Vivian.

7.048) The Daily Times, Watertown - August 14, 1894 - Tuesday
Professor Theodore Gegoux, with his family, is occupying his Point Vivian cottage again this season.

7.044) The Daily Times, Watertown - September 1, 1894 - Saturday
Theodore Gegoux and family have returned from the river and the Point Vivian artist-postmaster will resume work at his Watertown studio.

7.045) The Daily Times, Watertown - November 2, 1894 - Friday
Artist Gegoux has just finished two very fine crayon portraits. One of A. D. Williams, proprietor of the Otis house and one of his wife. Both were shipped to E. D. Porter, Utica, N. Y.

7.046) The Daily Times, Watertown - November 26, 1894
PORTRAITS
At reduced prices at Gegoux's during this month. Place your orders for Christmas work now and win one of the three prizes offered. Bring your best photos and learn about prizes, 20 1/2 Public Square.

7.047) The Daily Times, Watertown - December 1, 1894 - Saturday
Artist Gegoux is branching off into miniature portrait painting in oil. He is now painting several specimens which he will soon exhibit.

7.048) The Utica Sunday Journal - December 9, 1894 - Sunday
G. W. T. C. Theatrical Entertainment
Last evening the dramatic production of "Love's Own Claim" by the G. W. T. C. was given to a fair audience. It was also given on Friday evening and for the benefit of the Faxton Hall Association. The Performance was admirably rendered and but for the inclement weather and coaster attractions, it might have received the liberal patronage it undoubtedly deserved. Professors Gegoux and Heintz, were the orchestra.

7.049) The Watertown Daily Times - December 22, 1894
Artist Gegoux has a very fine crayon portrait of Assessor Micajah Horton in the show case at the entrance to his studio.

7.050) The Watertown Herald - March 16, 1895 to June 15, 1895
WILL YOU sit to the artist for your portrait?
If so, it will pay you to join the pastel portrait club which I will open on Tuesday 18th instant. See to it that you are one of the 12 who will compose this club. The rates will be low and the work my best. See sample in my show case and be convinced. You are Invited to investigate this offer, Theo. Gegoux, 20 1/2 Public Square.

7.051) The Watertown Daily Times - April 1, 1895 - Monday
There is now on exhibition at Gegoux's studio two new pictures. One is an excellent crayon portrait of the late George H. Wilder. The other is a fine oil portrait of the late Mrs. Jane Bent, of Antwerp. All are invited to see these works of art.

7.052) The Watertown Daily Times - April 26, 1895 - Friday
PORTRAIT - A fine crayon portrait of the late Samuel Roberts, of East Hounsfield, is now on exhibition at Gegoux's studio. Friends are invited to call and see it.

7.053) The Watertown Daily Times - May 4, 1895 - Saturday
PORTRAIT - A beautiful pastel portrait is now on exhibition in Gegoux's show case. It is of the late Miss Mollie Baird.

7.054) The Watertown Daily Times - May 14, 1895 - Tuesday
Quarantine for scarlet fever has been removed from the residence of Theodore Gegoux, 26 Public Square.

7.055) The Watertown Daily Times - May 14, 1895 - Tuesday
Frank P. Healy Dead
A Talented Young Artist Who Had Begun to Win Fame for Himself and Watertown.
A life full of hope and promise of a brilliant and eventful career passed away in the death of Frank P. Healy, which occurred at 11:30 last night. After battling which consumption for nearly a year, he peacefully laid down life's burdens and in his death the world of art lost one of it's most faithful devotees.
....
From that time onward his talent for drawing was rapidly developed. He attended the public schools of the city, but left the High school a year before reaching graduation, the crayon and brush having more attraction for him than mathematics. He entered the art studio of Prof. Gegoux, spending a year under the tutorage of that gifted artist.

7.056) The Watertown Herald - May 18, 1895 - Saturday
Death of a Young Artist
Francis P. Haley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Haley, died at the family residence on Gotham Street Monday evening. Mr. Haley was 26 years old. He attended the public schools of the city, subsequently entering one of the city drug stores as clerk. He exhibited marked natural talent for drawing and sketching, a talent which Artist Gegoux was quick to see and which he fostered in the young man and personally directed for a year or more.
Mr. Haley then went to New York and joined the Art Students league. His ability was recognized and he was engaged as sketch artist by the New York World. He was also a regular contributor to the New York Advertiser and to the Eagle and the Citizen, of Brooklyn. His health began to fail last August, and he gave up his work and came home to recuperate. His condition did not improve, although skilled physicians were engaged to attend him. A month ago he began to decline very rapidly, and his death came in spite of medical skill and faithful, tender, and loving ministrations. He is mourned by parents, two sisters, Maria and Anna, and three brothers, Walter, Fred and Albert.

7.057) The Syracuse Evening Herald - June 16, 1895 - Sunday
At Point Vivian there have been few arrivals. The first was Prof. Theodore Gegoux of Watertown.

7.058) The Watertown Daily Times - June 17, 1895 - Monday
Theodore Gegoux, the artist, has reopened his studio and will be here another week before going to the islands.

7.059) Sunday Herald, Syracuse, June 30, 1895 - Sunday
Professor Gegoux and family opened their cottage for the summer about ten days ago. The Professor is building a studio and will devote himself to his chosen art during his outing on the river.

7.060) The Watertown Daily Times - July 16, 1895 - Tuesday
A Luxurious Cafe
Fully 3,000 people saw the elegant interior of William Seibert's cafe at No. 50 Court street last evening, when the establishment was formally opened to the public. The place was a glittering scene of beauty and activity from the time the doors were opened until they closed at 11 P.M., and Mr. Seibert was kept busy receiving the warm congratulations of his friends, while his ten assistants had more than they could do to attend to the wants of his customers, and the throngs of sightseers who poured in and out of the place in a constant stream all the evening. An elegant lunch was served.
The opening was conducted on a grand scale and was the finest ever given in this city. Mr. Seibert is the successor of his father, the late Peter Seibert, who was one of the oldest saloon keepers of the city, and who built up this property. Since the death of his father, Mr. Seibert has been busily engaged in fitting up the place until now it is a bower of beauty unsurpassed in Watertown or any of the cities outside of New York, Brooklyn, Buffalo, and Rochester. It has a steel ceiling of a pretty design and is finished in quartered oak. The back bar contains a mirror 12x6 feet and is decorated with statuary. The front of the bar is set off with beveled glass mirrors. The side walls are adorned with beautiful paintings from the brush of Prof. Theodore Gegoux. The bar and woodwork was all done by the R. J. Hegg-Manufacturing company, and reflects credit upon their ability as artists in their line. Mr. Seibert's assistants are William Meade and John Champ.

7.061) The Watertown Herald - July 27, 1895 - Saturday
D. W. Hadcock has put up seven windmills this season and has been to Redwood, Pillar Point and Lafargeville in the same interest, and planted one on the extreme end of Point Vivian for Prof. Gegoux.

7.062) The Watertown Daily Times - September 2, 1895 - Monday
Artist Gegoux and family have returned from Point Vivian. Mr. Gegoux has reopened his studio in the Van Namee block and has again resumed (making faces).

7.063) The Watertown Daily Times - September 2 to November 4, 1895
TO MAKE FACES is much easier than to paint portraits. However when you want a picture of yourself or of any member of your family, whether in oil, pastel, or crayon, patronize home talent, patronize an artist who gives everybody satisfaction. Patronize Theo. Gegoux studio Van Namee block, second and third floors.

7.064) The Watertown Daily Times - September 9, 1895 - Monday
A PORTRAIT
Artist Gegoux is now engaged finishing a life-size bust portrait of the late Master Edgar Burr, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Burr. Friends are invited to call at the studio to see.

7.065) The Watertown Daily Times - September 11, 1895 - Wednesday
Henderson - In his show case, Artist Gegoux has an excellent crayon portrait of Dr. L. M. Jones, of Evans Mills.

7.066) The Watertown Daily Times - September 13, 1895 - Friday
A Portrait - The friends of the late O. E. Tallman, of Philadelphia, are invited to call at Gegoux's studio to look at his portrait, which Mr. Gegoux has recently finished. It is a beautiful work of art.

7.067) The Watertown Daily Times - September 26, 1895 - Thursday
GEGOUX - Artist Gegoux has just completed a life size bust pastel portrait of Mrs. William Martin, of Bowers avenue. All are invited to call at the studio to see this work of art.

7.068) The Watertown Daily Times - October 12, 1895 - Saturday
A Portrait Club
Prof. Gegoux, the artist had intended to form no more clubs for making portraits at reduced rates, but be has found it advisable to change his mind and form at least one more club in free hand crayon work. He does this became it brings him a greater variety of work and gives him a greater variety of faces with varying characteristics, and enables him so test and develop his capacity constantly along new lines, so he now offers to form a club in free band crayon in his best work from first-class photographs or sittings from life at $12.50 for each member of the club. People should have their portraits made while they are in the prime and vigor of life, so that those who are near and dear to them may be able to remember them as they are in their best days, and Prof. Gegoux's offer makes it possible for multitudes to fulfill this duty.

7.069) The Watertown Daily Times - October 19, 1895 - Saturday
Portraits - The crayon portrait "club" which artist Gegoux is forming, will close when 25 members have joined. Seven have to date subscribed.

7.070) The Watertown Herald - October 19 to November 2, 1895
A PORTRAIT "CLUB". - Artist Gegoux has found it advisable to change his mind and form one more club in free-hand crayon portraits. Each member is to give sittings to the artist or furnish a first - class photograph. The rate is $12.50. Membership limited to 25. The reader is invited to join.

7.071) The Watertown Daily Times - November 9 to December 17, 1895
PORTRAIT CLUB - The crayon portrait club which I am now forming will consist of 25 life size bust portraits, 15 of which have been secured. Club rate will be granted to all who furnish good photos to work from and sittings to the artist. The rate is just one-half the regular price. All who would like to join and cannot owing to the fact that they have no good photographs to work from shall be granted a reduced rate during the forming of this club. You are invited to join. Theodore Gegoux. 20 1/2 Public Square.

7.072) The Watertown Daily Times - November 16, 1895 - Saturday
Notice - On exhibition at Gegoux's studio a fine crayon portrait of the late Jay Dimick. All are invited to see this work of art.

7.073) The Watertown Daily Times - November 22, 1895 - Friday
A Portrait - There is on exhibition at Gegoux's studio an excellent portrait of the late George E., son of Edgar Leonard of Dexter.

7.074) The Watertown Daily Times - December 7, 1895 - Saturday
The Fair
Washington hall was the scene of a large gathering again last evening, the occasion being the eighth night of the Holy Family church fair and bazaar. Charles Keenan the Mill street grocery man, won the painting, "Maximilian Before His Execution", which is from the brush of Artist Gegoux, and which was by him presented to the fair.

7.075) The Watertown Daily Times - December 7, 1895 - Saturday
PORTRAIT CLUB
Of the 24 subscribers who have entered Gegoux's portrait club, Chaumont. Sterlingville, Rodman and Black River furnished 1 each; Carthage and East Hounsfield 2 each; Dexter 4 and Watertown, 12. One more subscriber will complete the club.

7.078) The Watertown Daily Times - December 24, 1895 to February 8, 1896
Gegoux's portrait club, which has just filled and closed, consisted of 25 life-size bast portraits at $12.50 each. It was observed by the artist that of the great number who applied for membership many desired to secure smaller portraits at of course, a correspondingly lower price. To meet this demand, it is thought advisable by the artist to open another club rate for life-size portraits and at the same time allowing 10 per cent, off from the above rate to all who wish for smaller portraits.

7.077) The Watertown Daily Times - December 30, 1895 - Monday
Portrait - Artist Gegoux exhibits an excellent pastel portrait of Mrs. John Frost. Friends are invited to call at his studio to see it.

7.078) The Watertown Daily Times - February 8, 1896 - Saturday
Picture - In his show case Artist Gegoux exhibits an excellent oil portrait of the late Merritt, son of Merritt E. Delong.

7.079) The Watertown Daily Times - April 23, 1896 - Thursday
Portrait - An excellent crayon portrait of the late Mrs. E . L. Heinrich is now on exhibition at Gegoux's studio.

7.080) The Watertown Daily Times - June 2, 1896 - Tuesday
Portraits Of The Dead. - Two of Gegoux's Now on Exhibition - Difficulty of Making Pictures of Those Whom the Artist Has Not Seen in Life.
In J. R. Smith's furniture store windows are two portraits which furnish striking illustration of what art can do in reproducing life-like representations of the dead. One is a picture of Melville Northam, brother of Undertaker W. G. Northam, a young man who died here recently.
This is in free-hand crayon work and was made by Artist Theodore Gegoux from a small photograph taken after the body had been prepared for burial, with the eyes closed. The picture has been completed without giving a suggestion of the circumstances under which it was made and with every semblance of having been reproduced from life, but it required three months of difficult and trying work to accomplish it.
The other portrait is of the late Edward Ayers, whose death occurred recently. In this case the artist only saw the subject in the coffin, but Prof. Gegoux has made a picture with every appearance of life and naturalness. This is a pastel and those who knew Mr. Ayers declare it to a most faithful likeness.
An interesting point suggests itself in connection with this subject. The nature of the portrait artist's work is little appreciated by the general public, and it is only when bereaved ones go to the artist for his skillful aid in securing a suitable remembrance of their dead that the difficulties of his work are partly realized. An intense application is necessary in addition to the greatest skill and wisest judgment in order to produce a true likeness of one whom the artist has never seen. The strain and nervous tension which the artist undergoes in making such a picture is many times more than that required in making a portrait by sittings from life.
Prof. Gegoux has performed so many of these delicate and trying artistic feats that he has found it necessary to increase his charges for such work, and for the purpose of encouraging "possible patrons to have work done while the subjects are in life, and when he can work to advantage.
He intends to make his prices for pictures made from sittings so low that it will be greatly to their advantage and within the reach of nearly everybody to have their picture, and those of their friends made in that way.

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