Bourbon Era (1877-1923)

The following Entries are associated with this Time Period. We invite you to read them and learn more about the Bourbon Era on KnowLA.

Adams, Wayman

Painter Wayman Adams was primarily known for his portraits of prominent individuals painted in the “alla prima” style; quickly, often finishing his portraits in one sitting. Continue »

Alaux, Alexander

Alexander Alaux, born in France in 1851, came to Louisiana at the age of six. After studying in Europe, Alaux returned to Louisiana where he painted with his children until his death in 1932. Continue »

Albrizio, Conrad

Though born in New York City, artist Conrad Albrizio did much of his work in Louisiana, and his frescos, murals, and paintings ornament Depression-era buildings throughout the region. Continue »

Alférez, Enrique

Sculptor Enrique Alferez's life spanned almost the entire twentieth century, with much of it spent creating art works in Louisiana. Continue »

Amans, Jacques Guillaume Lucien

French artist Jacques Amans was the leading portraitist in New Orleans during the 1840s and 1850s. Continue »

Anderson, Walter Inglis

Walter Inglis Anderson, born in New Orleans, expressed his unique artistic vision in murals, watercolors, oils, sketches, sculpture, rugs, wallpaper, and furniture, among other art forms. Continue »

Ardoin, Amédé

One of southern Louisiana’s first great recording artists was a Creole accordionist and singer named Amédé Ardoin. Continue »

Armstrong, Louis

Renowned as a seminal figure in the evolution of jazz, Louis Armstrong is also considered one of the major artistic figures of the twentieth century. Continue »

Art and Letters

The journal “Art and Letters” played a significant role in the development of the late-nineteenth-century New Orleans arts community. Continue »

Artists' Association of New Orleans

The Artists’ Association of New Orleans, which was incorporated in 1886, promoted the appreciation of fine arts in the South in general and New Orleans in particular. Continue »

Audubon Park

Fronting the Mississippi River, Audubon Park is one of New Orleans’s most popular attractions for both tourists and locals. Continue »

Bartholomew, Dave

A pillar of New Orleans rhythm and blues (R&B) community, Dave Bartholomew is a trumpeter, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer, bandleader, and astute businessman. Continue »

Basso, Hamilton

New Orleans-born Hamilton Basso was an influential novelist and journalist, as well as part of the southern literary renaissance. Continue »

Beauregard, Pierre Gustave Toutant

P.G.T. Beauregard, born in St. Bernard Parish in 1818, was the first prominent general of the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Continue »

Bellocq, E.J.

Photographer E.J. Bellocq gained fame after his death for his portraits of prostitutes in Storyville. Continue »

Benton, Thomas Hart

Thomas Hart Benton was a Missouri Regionalist painter who made frequent trips to the American South, including Louisiana. Continue »

Blessing, Samuel Tobias

Of the hundreds of photographers in New Orleans during the second half of the nineteenth century, Samuel T. Blessing stands out for his longevity, production, and business acumen Continue »

Blue Books, New Orleans

Blue Books is the common name given to the various published directories of female prostitutes and houses of prostitution in Storyville, New Orleans' legally designated red-light district. Continue »

Bolden, Buddy

Buddy Bolden, a cornet player, is the first documented player of New Orleans jazz. Continue »

Bontemps, Arna Wendell

Arna Wendell Bontemps, a distinguished contributor to the writings of the Harlem Renaissance, was born in Alexandria, Louisiana. Continue »

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