New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1859-12-19
A. G. POWERS, THE ARTIST.


Among the rising artists of this country, few have
struggled more bravely nor achieved a more decided
success than the gentleman whose name we take
the liberty of mentioning here, and few present
brighter promise of future eminence in his profess
sion. 1t is always gratifying to record the triumphs
Of genius In the early life of an artist there are
many trials and struggles that the world outside
the studio has little knowledge Of There is, in
these trials and struggles, much personal biography
of pathetic and sometimes dramatic character
far more in their reality and earnestness than
anything we witness on the mimic stage. though
few of those who sustain them care to have them
made public and laid bare to the eye of criticism.
Artists of sensitive nature generally shrink from
such an ordeal, and it is only in sympathetic con-
versation that one may obtain glance al the expe-
riences and early trials of art-life.
The subject of this sketch commenced his career
as an artist about seventeen years ago. in the north
ern part OF Ono, where there We're few advantages
OF the instruction necessary to immediate progress
in his profession, but he relied upon his own ener
giesand industry his natural gifts and earnest faith
that he must succeed supplied in great measure
the lack OF teachers. He commenced with the fixed
idea of becoming portrait painter. In 1874 he
spent the summer in Cincinnati, and while there he
painted an excellent portrait of Judge McLane.
which at once established his reputation as Young
artist of great promise. His portrait, next year in
Lexington, KY, of Professor Bascomb, then Presj.
dent Of Pennsylvania College, gained him great
credit, and in 1916 he visited Louisiana and located
himself at Baton Rouge. In the summer of Is4S he
executed full length painting of General TAYLOR
and "Old Whitley" which now adorns one of the
council chambers in our City Hall, and is consider
ed the best likeness of the old hero extant.
| Since ls4S Mr.. Powers has resided permanently
with the exception of two years spent abroad) il
New Orleans, diligently and earnestly pursuing hi.
profession. He has painted the portraits of man,
| of our prominent citizens, and of the last three
Presidents Taylor, Pierce and Buchanan-frml,
establishing for himself high reputation in the
| South and West portrait painter.
In 1854 he visited Europe, spending two wears
there, becoming familiar with the principal gale
res and studying diligently in the meantime. I,
the galleries where he made some copies he at
tracted much attention for his truthful coorng ant
rapid execution, as we learned from letter writer
abroad, who frequently made fattering mention o
him. Since his return his portraits show decided
| improvement and give evidence that he did no
waste his time and talents in servile limitations o
the old masters. They are earnest and truthful
and their coloring warm and genial like the soca
disposition Of the man himself. His success ha
been well earned and liberal patronage has at
tended his efforts, as those of one who has beef
so true to art and to himself should be. visit t
his studio, l42 Canal street, will satisfy any adj
mrer of the higher branches of art that we do no
estimate his title to high rank in his profes