Does anyone know if this oil painted portrait is one of the Andre family that came to Ste. Genevieve from France about 1850?
Maurice Andre |
It certainly looks a lot like Maurice Andre, who bought Maison Huberdeau in the 1850s. . .It could be a son or other family member. . .On the back of the portrait is only an "A". . . .
A few months ago, I discovered the painting at the Antique Mall here in Ste. Genevieve. . .When I saw it, I was very drawn to the man in the portrait. . .Something kept me staring at him. . .and thinking I had seen him somewhere before. . .Of course, I purchased him. . .hanging the painting to be admired in the living room. . .
It wasn't more than a month later while researching the inhabitants of the Huberdeau that I found a photo online of Maurice Huberdeau. . .who turned the house over to his son Louis in 1858. . .The only stipulation was that he and his wife were allowed to remain in the house until their death. . .
As soon as I found Maurice online, I have felt the oil portrait was possibly him. . .If so. . .isn't it interesting how he returned home? . . It would make a good story. . .And it's not the first strange happening in this 18th century home. . .We have a ghost cat, a small ghost child, and now someone who smells of perfume or scented powder popping in every now and then. . .But. . .more about that later. . .(grin).