Clarence Millet, A.N.A. (American/Louisiana, 1897-1959), "The Bayou Bridge", oil on canvas board, signed lower right, titled en verso, 17" x 21". Provenance: Estate of Elmira Ann Harrison Parnell Gregorie, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. "Bayou Bridge", probably from the environs of Bayou Teche, is one of Clarence Millet's most iconic scenes of Louisiana landscapes, architecture and lighting that critics have lauded since the 1930s. The painting appears to have been exhibited at Millet's 1936 solo exhibition at the Delgado Museum (now NOMA), and it was prominently displayed at his posthumous memorial exhibition in 1963 at the LSU library. The news correspondent for the Baton Rouge Advocate wrote that in "Bayou Bridge" "each detail of the painting accentuates the picture... the approaching storm affects everything." Critic Carter Stevens elaborated: "Millet is closer to the wellspring of the Louisiana scene than any other artists' works... He must have absorbed all the sense and color of the earth, plant growth, tree forms and sky as a growing boy." These critics' sentiments were so widespread that Millet created both woodblock and aquatint etching prints of "Bayou Bridge" that he sold and publicly displayed throughout the early 1940s with the New Orleans Arts League and Louisiana Art Commission. Demand for this work may have also led to additional painting commissions of it, as there are two other known paintings of the bridge. The one in the Roger H. Ogden Collection, although substantially larger, is nearly identical to the one offered here. The angle of the bridge and shape of the clouds on the right are slightly different in the Ogden painting, and there are no birds flying in the sky. Otherwise, they are twin compositions that beg the questions, which came first, and which ones were exhibited where? Indeed, their history is as elusive and timeless as the famed "Bayou Bridge" that could be any small bridge in Louisiana. References: "Memorial Exhibit Honors Native Artist", Advocate . Sun. April 21, 1963, p. 96; "Pen, Chisel and Brush (Review of Millet Exhibit)", Advocate . Sun. Nov. 22, 1936, p. 35; "Millet, Hobbs Score Again in This Medium". Advocate. Sun. June 1, 1941, p. 8.

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- All sales are final - no refunds.
- Artwork in its original condition may be returned within 5 days of purchase against store credit only, valid for one year.
- No returns of custom framed artwork, special orders, dedicated or commissioned items.
- Framing available through gallery. Allow 4-8 weeks for custom framing.
- All rights belonging to the holder of the copyright, including the production rights, shall remain with the Artist.
- NY State sales tax will be added to all NY State orders upon purchase.

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