Dmorgue

I would like any info you may have on the attached painting or its artist. The artist's signature appears to be Ralph Sowell, dated 1921.

Attached Images

Sowell.JPG (36.7 KB, 151 views)

muddy

I have 2 paintings by the same artist (same style and signature), most likely from the same time period. Mine are portraits of my great-grandmother and great-grandfather, who lived in New Orleans around the turn of the century. I assume Ralph Sowell was a portrait painter, probably in New Orleans. Your painting looks like the subject was a debutante- white gloves and gown typical attire. I haven't been able to find any other info about this artist.

Unregistered

Thanks for the information, Muddy. Every little bit helps. Dmorgue

TYLER

I have several wonderful, very sohpisticated still lifes, seascapes, etc. by Ralph Sowell (signature matches). I have never seen the portrait style. I found some bio on him a while back related to an art studio/school in Indianna. I am in Texas; surprised to not be able to find info on someone so accomplished as my examples represent.

Unregistered

Thanks, Tyler, for adding another piece of the puzzle.

Unregistered

Tyler, My name is Ralph Sowell. Not related to this painter, I'm sure. But would like to know where you purchsed your paintings; or if you know of a web page where they might be shown.

WHAT YOU SAID:
I have several wonderful, very sohpisticated still lifes, seascapes, etc. by Ralph Sowell (signature matches). I have never seen the portrait style. I found some bio on him a while back related to an art studio/school in Indianna. I am in Texas; surprised to not be able to find info on someone so accomplished as my examples represent.

Unregistered

Mr Sowell lived across the courtyard from my family when we lived in New Orleans back in the early 60's. We lived on Barracks St. in the French Quarter. He painted a portrait of me and my brother and we still have them.

Unregistered

I have a portrait of a lady about the turn of the 19TH century signed by Ralph Sowell. Could you put an average price on the painting?

Unregistered

I have one portrait that he painted.I believe that it is the same artist.But not the same signiture,and I think it was later on in his life that he painted the portrait I have.He was a very skilled artist.

Unregistered

Ralph Sowell was my gg uncle. The youngest of 10 children. My great Grandmother was the oldest child, his sister. I never met him though I nearly got to go study with him in NO when I was very young. I have several of his paintings and my immediate family has several more pictures. I was told he was extremely talented artistically. It was told to me he played the piano in concert, but after touring several years left the circuit to paint. He lived and learned in Paris on the 'left bank' for many years. My grandmother often sent him 'care' packages as it was said he nearly starved.
Returning to the states, he lived out his life in NO painting, mostly contract pictures. He died and is buried in NO in the mid 60's. He never married and had no issue.

MarkFish

Myself, and my brother, had our portraits done by Ralph Sowell when we were about 6 and 7 years old, about 1960, in New Orleans. Ralph was good friends with my father, James A. Fisher, also a painter. I have fond memories of sitting for my portrait, and getting Neehi orange sodas at break time with Mr. Sowell. He was very kind. A pleasant memory. Yes, I still have the pastel he did of me.