Type of Art
Portrait
Preview
Creation Date
1950
Description
Plague reads: Thomy Lafon by Franco Ruggiero / Ruggiero's signature is on the reverse of the canvas
Biographical Information
Born in 1810 or 1811 as a Free Person of Color in New Orleans, Lafon was an entrepeneur and philanthropist; he was considered the wealthiest black man in the US at his death in 1893. His estate was distributed to many causes at his death, including Charity Hospital. His donation is listed in the Charity Hospital Report in the amount of $25,600.
Historical Information
Painting was housed in Charity Hospital at 1532 Tulane Ave until 2006. It was removed to the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge. This piece was part of a collection that was returned to New Orleans and the LSUHSC Campus in September 2024.
Size
32 1/2" x 38"
Physical Location
Isché Library RCB402
Date at Location
10-23-2024
COinS