The New Orleans Drawings of Gaston de Pontalba, 1848–1851

Off the boat from Paris, New Orleans presented itself as impossible and prolific inspiration for the young Frenchman Gaston de Pontalba, who—after his arrival in October 1848—would go on to produce some 120 drawings, watercolors, and prints of the city and surrounding region. 

To be exhibited at The Historic New Orleans Collection beginning October 17, 2019, the detailed and often vibrant drawings add a layer to the Pontalba family's remarkable marks left upon this city, visually documenting the region's architectural history. 

Gaston's works were only recently rediscovered in the Pontalba family chateau, Mont l'Eveque near Paris by Pierre de Pontalba, son of the current Baron de Pontalba, who has generously lent them to the Collection for this exhibition. Free. hnoc.org.