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 Ten - First Annual Carnegie Exhibition
Watertown Studio - 1896 to 1899 |
|||
|
"The work is an evening scene representing a musical student playing the violin by lamplight."
The Watertown Daily Times - 1896. |
|||
|
This period contains several high points in Gegoux's career. Not only was his painting accepted for the First Annual International Exhibition, but he also organizes local exhibitions and he is thinking about how his work is viewed on this larger stage. He has matured as an artist; with 20 years of experience at his craft. He is established in his local community and at the same time contemplating how to proceed with his career. From these moments forward we see his best efforts. Choices made during this period have a lasting influence on his later works.
Gegoux submitted paintings to the Carnegie International Exhibitions in each of its first three years. "A Young Paganini" was accepted in 1896. (10.006) However Gegoux's four submissions in the next two years were not selected for exhibition. Those were "Picking Pond Lilies" and "Portrait, Justin W. Weeks"; in 1897. As well as "Apples" and "Time to Go Home" in 1898. (1) Here is a brief history of the Carnegie International Exhibitions.
When "A Young Paganini" was exhibited at the Carnegie Exhibition, Gegoux parlayed his notoriety by holding a series of local art exhibition for the citizens of Watertown. The first was in the fall of 1896, concurrent with the opening of the Annual Exhibition, Gegoux assembled 96 of his paintings; rented an exhibition space; and conducts an exhibition sale. For this exhibition a catalog was published with each painting listed by name and the asking price. No known copy of this catalog survives to the present day. (10.011) Another exhibition was conducted in the early part of 1897, at which the artist used an innovative merchandising approach to increase his sales. The artist decided to give away 37 works of art by bundling these works with other paintings based on quality and cost. The process was quite elaborate with envelops sealed with different colored wax drawn at random .. creating an almost carnival atmosphere. (10.029 & 10.030) Then again in the Fall of 1898, Gegoux had another exhibition and sale which was said to "continue every day and evening this week, or until every picture is sold". (10.053 & 10.056) During this period, for the first time, we are introduced to non-portrait named paintings. One such example was entitled, "After the Shower, Public Square by Moonlight", which was described thusly:
As of this writing it is not known what became of these two paintings. We live in hopes that someday a reader will report having found some of these lost works. Gegoux also continues his mainstay, portrait clubs, which must have proven themselves over the years because he seems to have used this approach for more than 20 years. (10.042) Here is also where we see more news about the Justin Weeks portrait. Following the death of the subject and on the heels of Gegoux's offer to exhibit this portrait at the Annual Exhibition, the time is ripe for discussions of posterity. The Bar Association contemplates "purchase of the picture for the purpose of placing it in the court house, where Mr. Weeks was employed for so many years of his life. The portrait is a most striking one, remarkably life-like, and no better recognition of the venerable crier's long service could be given than by making this picture the property of the people and hanging it in the court house where he sat so long." (10.046) The Gegoux studio at Point Vivian, having been rebuilt after the fire in 1893, continues to provide a summer retreat for the artist and his family. (10.036) In a rare example of the artist's own words, we learn of Gegoux intent to .. "hence forth devote the most of my time to oil portraits. I hope, by making the price reasonably low, to have extensive commissions." (10.054) Also, looking to posterity again, both for his patrons and his work, the artist points out that through the long years .. "the value of portraits in oil, which will last through numberless generations, increases. This section has many families in which there is no doubt that such heirlooms will be highly prized. Indeed, in any family an oil portrait of any member is of great worth." (10.054) In about 1894, Gegoux completed one of his signature works "The Salute", which depicts the St. Lawrence Steamer on one of its evening "search Light" tours of the St. Lawrence river. Here is a brief note about these tours:
Nearly two dozen examples of Gegoux's art, can be found at the Jefferson County Historical Society in Watertown, New York. In fact, it seems that more times we visit JCHS the more works by Gegoux we find. Recently, a large painting of President Lincoln and a Portrait of General Meade were found among the stacks. Among the JCHS paintings can be found the Portrait of J.C. Kimball '98. Many readers may be acquainted with Mr. Kimball as the preparer of the early Watertown City directories. (10.056) Lastly, we mention here that among the articles was found mention of the Portrait of Daniel Griffin described as "the natural poise of the well - formed head, the frank, friendly countenance, the gentle smile and the strong clear eyes with their kindly glow are skillfully portrayed, and of itself the portrait it a highly valuable and satisfactory production. Instead of being made on canvas, it is on glass." (10.067) (1) "Record of the Carnegie Institute's International Exhibitions 1896-1996" by Peter H. Falk, Sound View Press 1998. Copyright © All Rights Reserved. (2) Jefferson County Historical Society, "Bulletin", vol. 25, May 1993, written by Hazel M. McMane, Historian, Alexandria Bay, New York Copyright © All Rights Reserved. |
|||
|
News from Watertown (June 1, 1896 to May 12, 1899)
|
|||
|
10.001) The Watertown Daily Times - June 1 to September 9, 1896 Advertisement CLEAR SAILING. It in clear sailing when the artist can have his subject pose to him for a portrait. It takes less time to complete a likeness and when finished is much more satisfactory to both patron and artist. In view of this fact I will make a change in my prices for portraits. Patrons favoring me with sittings - i. e. having their portraits painted from life - will be favored with the lowest prices yet heard of for good work. On the other hand portraits made exclusively from old pictures will be charged for at the regular prices, $25 for a crayon portrait and $65 for a pastel. For the next three months I will receive commissions for crayon portraits from life at $12.50, 1/2 life size at $10.50. Will paint pastel portraits at $20, 1/2 life size at $12.50. Studio opened from 9 a. m., to 5 p . m. - Theo. Gegoux, Portrait Painter. |
|||
|
10.002) 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. |
|||
|
10.003)
The Watertown Re-Union - June 20, 1896 - Saturday Prof. Gegoux and family spent several days at their cottage on Point Vivian. |
|||
|
10.004) The Watertown Re-Union, August 13, 1896 - Wednesday POINT VIVIAN. A Terrific Storm Sunday Morning—Lightning's Queer Pranks on the Point. Point Vivian, Aug. 10. - The electric storm of yesterday morning did not forget to pay its respects to the Point. About 3:40 the storm broke over this place in all its fury. Lightning struck a tree near the John Kinney cottage and completely destroyed it. Several persons were shocked during the storm. Miss Lizzie Jones had a slight shock. Mrs. G. Henry and son Charles were more severely shocked, being dazed for an instant. Prof. Gegoux in attempting to draw a glass of water from the faucet, formed a circuit and was treated to a dose of electricity that Mr. Professor does not care to have duplicated, while Mr. Goodrich Henry, proprietor of the Point Vivian house, who was carrying a screen through the hall, received a shock that burned the screen more or less, and dashed it against the wall, where it was broken. |
|||
|
10.005) The Watertown Daily Times - August 25, 1896 - Tuesday Artist Theodore Gegoux and family returned yesterday from Point Vivian. |
|||
|
10.006) The Watertown Daily Times - November 28, 1896 - Saturday Artist Gegoux's Picture Accepted Artist Theodore Gegoux of this city, has received notice from John W. Beatty, director of the great art exhibition in the Carnegie Art galleries at Pittsburgh, PA., that his picture entitled "A Young Paganini" has been accepted and given a position as No. 117. The handsome book published by the exhibition gives his name and the title and number of the picture. The work is an evening scene representing a musical student playing the violin by lamplight. The rich colorings and strong contrasts and effects of this kind of work, as well as in more delicate lines, Mr. Gegoux has always been exceedingly successful, and it is no great surprise, though it is a source of much gratification to his many friends and admirers throughout Northern New York, that his work has been so signally honored as to be selected for exhibition from among the many hundreds of pictures which have been offered at Pittsburgh. |
|||
|
10.007)
The Watertown Re-Union - December 2, 1896 - Wednesday Artist Theodore Gegoux, of this city, has received notice from John W. Beatty, director of the great art exhibition in the Carnegie art galleries at Pittsburg, Pa., that his picture entitled "A Young Paganini," has been accepted and given a place in the exhibition. |
|||
|
10.008) The Watertown Daily Times - December 5, 1896 - Saturday Prof. Theodore Gegoux, the artist, has rented the store in the Paddock arcade where the People's restaurant was located and on next Tuesday will open an art gallery there and have on exhibition paintings and portraits. |
|||
|
10.009) The Watertown Daily Times - December 7, 1896 - Monday Art Gallery - Owing to some delay arranging the lights, Gegoux's exhibition of paintings will not be open to the public until Wednesday evening. |
|||
|
10.010) The Watertown Daily Times - December 10 to 19, 1896 Exhibition of Paintings - By Theodore Gegoux, at 8 Paddock arcade, Free to all Open from 10 a. m. to 10:00 p. m. All are invited to see. |
|||
|
10.011) The Watertown Daily Times - December 10, 1896 - Thursday An Art Exhibit Gegoux's Pictures on View A Fine Public Square Picture - Other Local Scenes The store at No. 8 Paddock Arcade was thrown open this afternoon to the public. When the curtains were rolled up a transformation of the former barren room was beheld, showing a most attractive and inviting interior. Nearly the entire store is occupied by an exhibition of paintings and sketches produced by Theodore Gegoux during the past 16 years. There are 96 pictures in all, representing a great variety of subjects, including a number of well-known portraits and familiar local scenes. One of the most interesting and effective is entitled "After the Shower; Public Square by Moonlight". The work presents a view of Watertown's beautiful mart looking eastward from about the junction of Court street with the Square. A shower has just fallen, washing the pavement clean and giving it a sort of glassy surface, which slightly reflects the objects moving upon it. The familiar buildings are shown brightly lighted, while the starry rays of the electric lights add their brilliancy and the pop-corn wagon gives another glow and a familiar touch to the picture. The street cars and the monument and other features of the Square appear. It is an admirable piece of work in pastel and will undoubtedly be the subject of much comment while the exhibition lasts. It would greatly adorn any home and be a valuable addition to any local collection of paintings. Another local scene, although much smaller, is a picture of Watertown falls sketched last winter when the thermometer was at 14 below zero and the view from Suspension Bridge showed little more than a mass of frozen mist. Mr. Gegoux's full length portrait of Justin W. Weeks, Watertown's oldest citizen and public official occupies a auspicious place and attracts general attention. A large crowd has visited the exhibition this afternoon. It will be continued about ten days, during which time the public is cordially invited to call and inspect the pictures. A catalogue is furnished to every caller giving the title of the pictures and their prices. Greene & Underhill the florists, have a fine collection of plants and flowers on sale in one part of the store. Exhibition of Paintings - By Theodore Gegoux, at 8 Paddock arcade. Free to all open from 10 a. m. to 9:300 p. m. All are invited to see. |
|||
|
10.012) The Watertown Herald - December 12, 1896 - Saturday "A Young Paganini" a picture representing a student playing his violin in the early evening painted by Theodore Gegoux of this city, has been hung in the Carnegie Art Galleries at Pittsburg, PA. Artist Theodore Gegoux has opened an art gallery in the Paddock arcade. It is an exhibition of the artist's paintings and portraits. |
|||
|
10.013) The Watertown Daily Times - December 12, 1896 - Saturday Among the paintings in Gegoux's exhibit are several that are attracting special attention. One in particular is a life-size portrait of Hon. R. R. Smith, of Brooklyn, and all his friends have praised it. One of those E. M. Camp, pronounces it one of the best portraits he has seen. The picture will be shipped to Brooklyn next Tuesday. |
|||
|
10.014) The Watertown Herald - December 12, 1896 - Saturday Artist Theodore Gegoux has opened an art gallery in the Paddock arcade. It is an exhibition of the artist's paintings and portraits. |
|||
|
10.015) The Watertown Daily Times - December 14, 1896 - Monday Between 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday evening 982 people visited Prof. Gegoux's exhibition of paintings in Paddock Arcade. The exhibit will continue through the week. |
|||
|
10.016) The Watertown Daily Times - December 15, 1896 - Tuesday Sale of Gegoux's Paintings The store in Paddock arcade in which the collection of Gegoux's paintings is exhibited, has been visited by so many people and so much interest has been displayed in reference to various pictures, that it has been decided to have a sale of the paintings - Thursday and Friday of this week. No exhibition of pictures ever shown in Watertown has attracted the crowds or received such admiring praise as this one. Prof. Gegoux's ability as an artist has been proved in many ways and these paintings, which are some of the products of 15 years of faithful labor in his profession, are fit to adorn any home. Many people travel far away and pay fabulous prices for work, which has far less merit. Undoubtedly, there will be some fine opportunities for picture buyers Thursday and Friday. |
|||
|
10.017) The Watertown Daily Times - December 16 to 19, 1896 - Wednesday Exhibition of Paintings - by Theodore Gegoux, at 8 Paddock arcade. Free to all Open from 10 a. m. to 10:00 p. m. All are invited to'see. |
|||
|
10.018) The Watertown Daily Times - December 18, 1896 - Friday The crowds of visitors at the Paddock arcade store in which Gegoux's paintings are exhibited have continued caring the ten days since the place was opened to the public, artist's reputation has been greatly enhanced by this striking demonstration of his ability in other lines besides portraiture, in which he has long been recognized as exceptionally capable. The evening closes the exhibition. |
|||
|
10.019) The Watertown Daily Times - December 18, 1896 - Friday Last Opportunity This evening will be the last opportunity of seeing Theodore Gegoux's fine exhibition of paintings at 8 Paddock arcade. If you are a lover of rare paintings don't miss calling tonight. |
|||
|
10.020) The Watertown Herald - December 19, 1896 - Saturday A sale of Theodore Gegoux pictures which has been on exhibition in the Arcade was held on Thursday and Friday of this week. |
|||
|
10.021) The Watertown Daily Times - December 19, 1896 to May 10, 1897 Removal - Prof. Gegoux has removed his exhibition of pictures from No. 8 Paddock arcade to his studio, 20 1/2 Public Square, where the sale will be continued. |
|||
|
10.022) The Watertown Herald - January 2, 1897 - Saturday Theodore Gegoux, the artist, who made such a fine exhibit in the Paddock Arcade, has transferred the beautiful show to his studio parlors, where picture admirers are welcome. |
|||
|
9.023) The Watertown Herald - January 5, 1897 - Saturday Prof. Gegoux has just delivered two very satisfactory portraits of Mr. and Mrs. A. Otis, of Dexter. |
|||
|
10.024) The Watertown Daily Times - January 6, 1897 - Wednesday In the "Miss Philadelphia" company which appears at the City opera house tomorrow evening, is Miss Jessie Lobdell of Boston, who plays the viola in the ladies orchestra and who is a cousin of Mrs. Theodore Gegoux, of this city. |
|||
|
10.025) The Watertown Daily Times, January 30, 1897 - Saturday Theodore Gegoux, a worthy son of the artist, acquitted himself with great credit in his violin solo, "Jendrowski," with meritorious piano accompaniment by Charles Scott. |
|||
|
10.026) The Watertown Daily Times - February 10, 1897 - Wednesday Artist Theodore Gegoux has presented his picture of "Public Square by Moonlight", which has for some past adorned the wall of the front parlor of the club house, to the Citizens' club. Another oil painting by Mr. Gegoux, "The Maid of the Mist" is also hung in this room, he very kindly loaned it to the club. |
|||
|
10.027) The Watertown Herald - February 18, 1897 - Saturday A beautiful picture of Public Square, by night, entitled "After the Shower" has been presented by artist Theodore Gegoux to the Citizens club. |
|||
|
10.028) The Watertown Daily Times - March 4, 1897 Artist Theodore Gegoux, city, has presented his picture, "Public Square by Moonlight," to the Citizens' Club. Also, he has loaned to the club another picture, "The Maid of the Mist." |
|||
|
10.029) The Watertown Daily Times - March 25, 1897 - Thursday An Artist's Pictures Offered Prof. Theodore Gegoux, the artist, has an interesting announcement in his advertisement in another column to the effect that he has decided to give away 37 of his works of art to patrons. Their value being accessed according to the value of the portrait ordered by the patron. He is to issue 37 tickets, each one of which entitles to a picture, in addition to the portrait ordered. The 37 pictures being classified and the tickets placed in envelopes differentially marked to indicate the class of work to which they belong. For instance, if any one orders a portrait in oil he will he entitled to draw an envelop which calls for one of Mr. Gegoux's higher priced pictures. Every one of the 37 patrons will receive, in addition to the portrait ordered, a painting, the values ranging from $65 to $3.50. Prof. Gegoux's collection of paintings and drawings has often been greatly admired, and in all of them he has put some of his best work. The opportunity he now offers is one which is rarely made in the line of art, and it will doubtless as quickly be taken advantage of. |
|||
|
10.030) The Watertown Daily Times - March 25 & 26, 1897 Thirty-Seven Pictures to be Given Away To every one of my patrons I will present a painting or drawing, and here is the way I proposed to do it: Thirty-seven tickets will be issued, placed in envelopes and sealed. On each ticket will be inscribed the number and the title of a painting or drawing. Any one giving me a commission for a portrait, either in oil, pastel or crayon and paying for the same, can take from the box one envelop for each portrait so commissioned and paid for. In order to benefit patrons who commission more expensive portraits, I will classify the tickets according to their representative value in the following manner! Patrons ordering portraits in oil will be entitled to draw an envelop sealed with red wax, which contains a ticket calling for an average higher-priced painting. Patrons ordering portraits in pastel will draw envelopes sealed with blue wax, which contain tickets for less expensive paintings. Patrons who order crayon portraits will draw envelopes sealed with drab wax. The value of the paintings range from $3.50 to $65 each. These works of art will be exhibited at my studio, 20 1/2 Public Square, commencing April 1. The paintings will be presented together with their frames when it is so stated on ticket drawn; otherwise only the painting will be given. Theodore Gegoux |
|||
|
10.031) The Watertown Daily Times - March 31, 1897 - Wednesday Opening Day Tomorrow Everyone ordering a protrait will receive a present of a painting, 37 of which are to be given away by Theodore Gegoux 20 1/2 Public Square. |
|||
|
10.032) The Watertown Daily Times - May 3, 1897 - Monday In Memory Of A Good Man Lessons from the Life of Talcott H. Camp Young Men and Old Unite in a Service in Which His Warm Virtues and Kind Deeds are Recalled That the memory of a good life does not fade, and that the kindly ways and goodly deeds of Talcott H. Camp have not been forgotten in the weeks and months since his mortal body was laid away in the tomb, was demonstrated yesterday afternoon when the Y. M. C. A. chapel was crowded to the door by citizens of Watertown, young men and old, assembled to hear an address based upon his life and character. In the audience were a considerable number of men who had been closely associated with Mr. Camp in business affairs and other ways, and the deep interest shown and the cordial approval given to every word that was uttered in memory of the genial citizen and good friend who has gone was a tribute which both honored him and those who gave it. An oil painting which was hung upon the wall for the occasion very faithfully portrayed the long familiar features of Mr. Camp, and his kindly eyes beamed upon the assemblage in the old friendly way, which had endeared him to many of those present. The picture was by Artist Gegoux. |
|||
|
10.033) The Watertown Daily Times - May 8, 1897 - Saturday An Artist's Fine Offer Prof. Gegoux, the artist, who has painted hundreds of portraits for the people of Watertown and Jefferson county and all Northern New York, as well as some for distinguished visitors to the Thousand Islands, where he has a summer home, announces a new club rate for free hand crayon work to be executed during his summer sojourn at Point Vivian. He makes the exceptional offer on all free hand crayon portraits, for which he is commissioned from now until the close of the summer, for $8 each. Prof. Gegoux's crayon clubs have been very popular in the past, and this one should have greater success than any previous ones because of the exceedingly liberal terms offered. |
|||
|
10.034) The Watertown Times - May 11 to June 9, 1897 - Saturday Artist Gegoux Says - I am furnishing genuine media portraits "life-size bust" at $5 each. Remember these are not photographs made to represent sepia, but are painted with sepia on clean canvas, and will not fade for hundreds of years. Come and examine the genuine, then you will know the imitation. |
|||
|
10.035) The Watertown Daily Times - May 18, 1897 - Thursday An Artist's Work Among the new portraits on exhibition at Gegoux's studio are a life size three-quarter pastel portrait of Rev. E. G. Price, of Brushton, N.Y; a life-size bust in oil of the late T. B. Camp, an exceptionally fine one; and a life size bust crayon portrait of the late Master Arthur, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Baker. |
|||
|
10.036) The Watertown Daily Times - June 24, 1897 - Tuesday Artist Theodore Gegoux and family left for their summer home at Point Vivian this morning. |
|||
|
10.037) The Watertown Daily Times - June 29, 1897 - Tuesday Prof. Gegoux has opened his cottage at Point Vivian for the summer. |
|||
|
10.038)
The Watertown Re-Union - June 30, 1897 - Wednesday Artist Theodore Gegoux and family are occupying their cottage at Point Vivian. |
|||
|
10.039) The Watertown Daily Times - July 1, 1897 - Thursday Cottage to Rent - At Point Vivian, N.Y. Accomodations for a party of 12. Inquire at Gegoux's studio, 20 1/2 Public Square. |
|||
|
10.040) The Watertown Daily Times - July 10 to August 31, 1897 GEGOUX's Studio is closed. Will reopen Sept. 1. New samples will be displayed and new prices quoted. Look out for a boom in the portrait line. If anything is wanted before then, address Theo Gegoux, Point Vivian, N. Y. |
|||
|
10.041) The Watertown Daily Times - September 4, 1897 - Saturday Artist Gegoux has returned from the islands and has reopened his studio in the Van Namee block, and, as usual, will execute portraits in oil, pastel, and crayon. |
|||
|
10.042) The Watertown Daily Times - September 6, 1897 to March 25, 1898 At Club Rate - What I advertise is so. Remember This: I want you to always bear in mind that when I use the word "club rates" it always means a real, good portrait at a low price, and never means hurriedly finished pictures, such as are handled by copying houses and furnished to stores that are always crying something for nothing. Note these rates - they are genuine - Life-size bust crayon portrait $12.50 - In pastel $25.00 - Place your order now - If you want it executed for the holidays. Theo. Gegoux - 20 1/2 Public Square |
|||
|
10.043) The Watertown Herald - September 18, 1897 - Saturday Artist Gegoux has cut the price of crayon portraits to $12.50. |
|||
|
10.044) The Watertown Daily Times - September 29, 1897 Artist Theodore Gegoux has presented the 39th with a fine painting of a sentry on guard at Peekskill. It will be hung in the company parlors. The picture was presented at last evening's regular monthly meeting. |
|||
|
10.045) The Watertown Herald - October 2, 1897 - Saturday Artist Theodore Gegoux has presented a handsome painting of a sentry on guard at Peekskill, to the 39th Separate company. It will adorn the wall of the Armory. |
|||
|
10.046) The Watertown Daily Times - December 16, 1897 Some time ago Prof. Gegoux painted a life-sized picture of Justin W. Weeks. The members of the Jefferson county bar are contemplate purchase of the picture for the purpose of placing it in the court house, where Mr. Weeks was employed for so many years of his life. The portrait is a most striking one, remarkably life-like, and no better recognition of the venerable crier's long service could be given than by making this picture the property of the people and hanging it in the court house where he sat so long. |
|||
|
10.047) The Watertown Daily Times - January 3, 1898 - Monday Portrait of G. B. Massey - Presented to the Young Men's Christian Association A Feature of the Annual Reception Tendered to the Members of the Association and Their Friends Saturday arriving the Woman's Auxiliary of the Young Men's Christian association, gave a reception to the members and their families, which proved to be one of the most successful ones for many years. Gentleman's orchestra furnished music throughout the evening. ... About 8 o'clock an important feature of the evening's entertainment took place, being the presentation of a large and beautiful portrait of the treasurer of the association, George B. Massey. The presentation speech was made by Col. Albert D. Shaw: " ... ... his co-workers here, hunted up so memorable a photograph of this generous treasurer, and Artist Gegoux has done well in portraying an excellent likeness of our good friend ..." ... which he has rendered the association, the tower of strength that he has always been to it, seems a very appropriate recognition, and I want to return, in behalf of the association, sincere thanks to those who have had a share in the purchasing and presentation of it." Mr. Massey responded as he stood looking upon the picture in a very feeling and modest manner. H. J. Brimmer was called upon and spoke of the faithful work and exemplary life of the treasurer. Rev. W. D. Marsh was then called upon and responded very appropriately. Secretary F. A. Ingraham also spoke a few words, and afterward was heard to say, "It is a good portrait of a good man." Mr. Gegoux to whom the association is indebted for the artistic work of the portrait, was asked to speak, and responded moderately on behalf of his work. At 10 o'clock the music ceased and all departed, having enjoyed another occasion in the interests of the Y. M. C. A. |
|||
|
10.048) The Watertown Daily Times - March 3, 1898 - Thursday A very natural portrait of President Helen Wilder, of the city board of charities, has been executed by the artist, Theodore Gegoux, and it is on exhibition in his studio on Public Square. It may well be termed a speaking likeness. |
|||
|
10.049) The Watertown Daily Times - June 25, 1898 - Saturday Artist Theodore Gegoux and family leave Monday for their summer home at Point Vivian. |
|||
|
10.050) The Watertown Daily Times, July 1, 1898 - Friday Alexandria Bay, June 30th M. Horton, of Watertown, postmaster at Point Vivian, has arrived on the river and has opened the office at that place. Among others who are sojourning there this season are: Prof. Gegoux and family, and Mrs. C. Ehrilcher, Watertown; A. B. Cutting, A. S. Whitney, B. G. Parker, Gouverneur, Miss Mary Hungerford, Mrs. J . R. Quigley, Syracuse, and Mrs. Mary Sharon. |
|||
|
10.051) The Watertown Daily Times - October 7, 1898 - Friday Gouverneur - Prof. Theodore Gegoux, the well-known portrait artist, of Watertown, has been in town this week, calling on local friends. |
|||
|
10.052) The Watertown Herald - October 31, 1898 - Monday EXHIBITION OF PICTURES. Prof. Gegoux Gives an Interesting Display of His Work. In one of the stores of the new Remington & Gates block on Arsenal street, Prof. Theodore Gegoux, one of Watertown's most popular artists, will welcome the public this evening to the Inspection of an array of pictures, many of them portraits of prominent people, the recent work of Mr. Gegoux. These exhibitions have attracted much attention in the past and the present one is well worth going to see. |
|||
|
10.053) The Watertown Daily Times - November 2, 1898 - Wednesday MEETING COMPETITION Prof. Gegoux, the Portrait Artist, Tells Why He Will Reduce the Price of High Class Work. Crowds of people and the Gegoux exhibition of portraits, in the new Remington & Gates block on Arsenal street, a most interesting place. Some of the artist's latest work is shown to good advantage, and there are many familiar faces on the line. The exhibit will continue every afternoon and evening this week. Talking on the subject of his art and the handicap, which has been put upon it in a financial way, Prof. Gegoux says: "In the commercial world, if our dry goods merchants sold the best of silk and the highest grade goods only, how long could they do business?" "Portraiture has become more or less commercial and I am convinced that an artist who makes his residence and is doing business in a city of this size can but barely exist if he caters to the wants of the rich only." "In order to be just 'one price to all' must be the golden rule, and that is the barrier to the less fortunate in wealth. As the artist places the price on his portraits in three figures in order to allow himself of some account in the art world. So at the same time he places his portraits out of the reach of the ordinary would-be purchaser and consequently invites idleness and has more time to spare than money. "While the copying houses, through their agencies, fill the country with low grade crayon pictures, and many photographers act as agents in receiving commissions, the same to be executed by the copying houses. It is easy to see that the artist who stands on the merit of his work and attempts to hold up his prices to where they really belong, for lack of commissions, will soon wish himself following other calling. "In view of the above facts, I will make a radical change in the price of my works, and instead of executing portraits in three different mediums - namely, crayon, pastel, and oil - I will hence forth devote the most of my time to oil portraits. I hope, by making the price reasonably low, to have extensive commissions. "During my exhibition in the Remington & Gates block I will quote large discounts on all commissions for portraits in oil." |
|||
|
10.054) The Watertown Herald - November 5, 1898 - Saturday Prof. Theodore Gegoux has been giving an exhibition of his recent paintings in one of the Remington & Gates' stores on Arsenal Street. He spent some months on the St. Lawrence this summer and vigor he obtained there is shown in his new work. |
|||
|
10.055) The Watertown Herald - November 5, 1898 - Saturday Gegoux's Pictures - Exhibition in the new Remington & Gates block, Arsenal street this evening. |
|||
|
10.056) The Watertown Daily Times, November 7, 1898 - Monday Sale of Pictures at the Gegoux exhibition Sale will commence this evening and continue every day and evening this week, or until every picture is sold. All are welcome. |
|||
|
10.057) The Watertown Daily Times - December 17, 1898 ... "Buy the boy a watch" at A. Bushnell & Co., a newspaper advertisement suggested. ... The Watertown Times gave subscribers a gift of "a pretty-colored lithographic representation of a painting" by contemporary artist Theodore Gegoux (1850-1931), whose studio and residence were on Public Square. The recreation was a St. Lawrence River scene. |
|||
|
10.058) The Watertown Daily Times - December 19 to 24, 1898 Pictures - At Gegoux's exhibition of paintings in the Remington & Gates block you will find a number of fruit pieces and also some fine landscape paintings to decorate your home with. The prices are very reasonable. You are invited to take a look. |
|||
|
10.059) The Watertown Daily Times - December 24, 1898 - Saturday Our Christmas Gift The Times makes as a Christmas gift to its subscribers today, a pretty colored lithographic representation of a painting by Gegoux, the well-known artist of this city. It is a scene on the St. Lawrence with which our readers are all familiar and it will recall pleasant memories of days and the Thousand Islands. The picture which it gives the Times pleasure to present is no cheap piece of color work, but an artistic reproduction from stone by an expensive process and was intended to be put in the market at a very good price. Very many of them have been sold, and it is a lucky circumstance that the Times is enabled to secure them for its Christmas gift to its readers. The pictures will be found to be well worth a frame and a permanent place on the wall. Mr. Gegoux is a thorough artist and he has caught the spirit of the scene that he portrays. The Times hopes it may add another ray of Christmas brightness to the homes of its readers by places this bit of a summer scene amid the Christmas snows. It is offered with the best wishes of the glorious season, with the greeting of a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers. |
|||
|
10.060) The Watertown Daily Times - December 24, 1898 - Saturday Gegoux's original picture, "The Salute," a copy of which accompanies the Times as a Christmas supplement, may be seen at his exhibition of paintings, portraits, etc. In the new Remington & Gates block on Arsenal street. The public is welcome there. |
|||
|
10.061) The Watertown Daily Times, December 24, 1898 - Saturday THE TIMES CHRISTMAS GIFT "THE SALUTE," FROM A PAINTING BY THEODORE GEGOUX A Copy of His Painting of a Night Scene on the St. Lawrence for Every Times Subscriber. Every copy of this Christmas issue of the Times affords a gift of good will from the publishers to the subscribers, in the form of a fine reduced lithograph reproduction of the popular painting by Theodore Gegoux entitled "The Salute." It is given in the belief that it will be very acceptable to the people who read the Times, because it is a highly desirous and exceedingly brilliant portrayal of a scene familiar to thousands in this locality who have visited the world famous island resort which lies within the boundaries of their local territory. As a souvenir of the St. Lawrence it is excelled by no other picture, and in artistic effort it is of such merit as to win alike the attention of the critics and the general public. It is also of special local value because it is the work of an artist whose talents have been largely developed and whose reputation has been faithfully earned as a citizen and resident of Watertown. Gegoux's name on the margin adds immeasurably to the esteem in which the picture will be held. The character of the work was difficult and not every one even among the great artists would attempt it. But Gegoux has always nourished a liking for the strong contrasts and soft glow and mystic charm of night scenes with the moon or artificial rays for his illumination, and often through his years of work he has produced such scenes with marked success. His large painting of Watertown's Public Square by night is one of the most brilliant of his later production in this line, and he has made others that are worthy and interesting. "The Salute" portrays a river scene at night with an expanse of water in the foreground, shores of the mainland and one or two of the Thousand Islands dimly suggested in the background and the steamer St. Lawrence and a small sailing yacht as the central figures. The steamer is making her famous searchlight tour of the islands, with comfortably crowded decks, not too crowded, however, to leave a little space for a couple of lovers in a spot where they are devoting all their attention to each other. The man in charge of the search-light on the roof of the pilot house has flashed the broad clear rays of the huge lantern upon a sailing yacht which moves gently on the water, its sails half filled and its occupants waving hand-kerchiefs in silent salute. The polite captain of the steamer responds with the never-fading three toots of the whistle, and the little clouds of steam float away into the darkness. The effect of the search light on the yacht is striking and beautiful. The sails and the hull are of that peculiar whiteness which is only seen under the rays of the most piercing light in a scene otherwise dark. The lines of the trim little craft are clearly revealed and the figures in the boat are admirably placed to add to the charm of the scene. The white moon adds its effect as it appears on the edge of a mass of sombre clouds. From the steamer's stern a scintillating silver wake flows out and loses itself in the volume of the river, while the reflection of the lights from the cabin windows and the decks gives the rippling water at the side of the steamer the color effect of mingling fire and ink. This description imperfectly suggests the character of the picture, but the scene itself is before the reader, who will doubtless find keener enjoyment in discovering its beauties for himself. The original painting was produced by Mr. Gegoux in 1897 and the lithograph copy, which the Times gives as a Christmas greeting today, is sold on the St. Lawrence and elsewhere every season as a tourist souvenir. |
|||
|
10.062) The Watertown Daily Times - January 6 to 26, 1899 Stock of Portrait Frames. Ranging in price from $1.50 to $15. Sizes 16 x 20; 20 x 24; 22 x 26; 22 x 27; and 26 x 30. You can buy a frame with your portrait or without. Shall be pleased to show you any or all of the above Frames. If you wish your portrait painted to fit any of the above frames I will gladly quote you the lowest possible price consistent with the quality of work. THEO. GEGOUX - Remington & Gates Block |
|||
|
10.063) The Watertown Daily Times - January 6 & 7, 1899 Fine Oil Portraits As families and the country that they live in grow old the value of portraits in oil, which will last through numberless generations, increases. This section has many families in which there is no doubt that such heirlooms will be highly prized. Indeed, in any family an oil portrait of any member is of great worth. Watertown people are fortunate in having a truly capable artist as a resident of the city, whose work in this line is acknowledged to be equal to that of many who are widely known, and whose prices are so reasonable that there are few who desire this class of portraits who cannot procure them at low rates, Gegoux is making oil portraits for $20 and upward, such as others charge $100 to $200 for. |
|||
|
10.064)
The Watertown Re-Union - January 11, 1899 - Saturday An excellent portrait in oil of the late Christopher Armstrong has been painted by Artist Gegoux, in the Remington & Gates block, and is on view to friends of the well remembered bank watchman. |
|||
|
10.065) The Watertown Daily Times - January 17, 1899 - Tuesday A Natural Mistake Artist Gegoux has an oil portrait of Kimball, the directory man, that is so life-like that people passing the Remington & Gates annex are deceived for an instant into thinking it the original. An acquaintance of Mr. Kimball's was actually caught Saturday in the act of bowing to the portrait as he hurried past. Mr. Kimball is represented as standing in a conversational attitude, pad and pencil in hand. The coloring is wonderfully natural, the hands in particular being startlingly life-like. |
|||
|
10.066)
The Watertown Re-Union - February 1, 1899 - Saturday Artist Gegoux is now engaged in a life-size portrait in oil of P. D. Bullard, of Theresa. The portrait will be on view at his studio, 20 1/2 Public Square, Tuesday and Wednesday. Friends are invited. |
|||
|
10.067) The Watertown Daily Times, March 25, 1899 - Saturday A FINE MEMORIAL. Portrait of the Late D. G. Griffin. Set is a Fire Place Chimney Window. Theodore Gegoux, the artist, has just completed a remarkable work on a commission from Mrs. D. G. Griffin. It is a portrait of her husband, the late Hon. Daniel Griffin. It is a very accurate representation of the features that were so familiar to the people of Watertown. The natural poise of the well - formed head, the frank, friendly countenance, the gentle smile and the strong clear eyes with their kindly glow are skillfully portrayed, and of itself the portrait it a highly valuable and satisfactory production. Instead of being made on canvas, it is on glass, on which the artist has fixed the features of Mr. Griffin so that the work is practically imperishable except from the accidental destruction of the material on which it is made. The difficulty of the process may be imagined, but an appreciation of the success attained can only be gained by personal observation. The glass is fitted into an arched window which pierces the broad chimney above the massive fireplace at the east end of the music room in Mrs. Griffin's residence on Keyes street. The fireplace and mantle are of Duluth sandstone, handsomely carved. The portrait is set in the deep window midway between the outer and inner walls, and is well protected from the possibility of accident. Two other panes set a few inches apart, enclose it from the outside, to save it from danger of frost. Through these panes, one of which is of ground glass, the light comes softly against the back of the portrait, penetrating the spaces left for it by the artist's brush, according to his requirements. Thus nature works with art to produce an affect which is strikingly beautiful and life-like. The perfection of the lights and shadows which the artist is ever seeking to attain leaves here completed and realized, through the aid of the light of day. The picture is also seen at night, the rays from an electric lamp flooding the space back of it. The success of the work is even beyond Mrs. Griffin's expectation when she gave the order, and Artist Gegoux has reason to be happy over the result. |
|||
|
10.068)
The Watertown Re-Union - March 29, 1899 - Wednesday Reprint A FINE MEMORIAL. Portrait of the Late D. G. Griffin. Set is a Fire Place Chimney Window. |
|||
|
10.069)
The Watertown Re-Union - April 1, 1899 - Wednesday A fine picture of J. C. Kimball, by Gegoux, is on exhibition in the window of John S. Baird. |
|||
|
10.070) The Watertown Daily Times - May 9 to 12, 1899 Pictures - several good landscapes and a number of fruit pieces for the adornment of dining room walls are on sale at Gegoux's studio in the Van Namee block. |
|||