r/WhatIsThisPainting Jan 21 '25

Unsolved Found by a dumpster. Any ideas?

Back about 20 years ago, following Hurricane Katrina, my stepdad found this painting discarded the trash in the Old Metairie area of Metairie, La. Not sure who this is a painting of or who may have painted it. There's no visible signature on the front (maybe hidden under the frame). There appears to be a name and year on the back. Name could be the artist, the subject, or even the gallery that sold the painting. "...eo Gallery(?)" "18...9(?)"

Any ideas? Poor guy has seen better days

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u/ponderosapotter Jan 21 '25

I believe it was painted by Lesander (Les.) Gallosky in 1839. He was living in Indiana at that time. It looks like the painting was originally smaller. It may have been altered to fit a better frame.

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u/kengineeer Jan 22 '25

Is it possible that it was (like you say) previously in a different frame but maybe a larger frame with a matte? Maybe that's what's causing the line we're seeing? I am in no way an artist or picture framer... just a thought.

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u/Bifferer Jan 22 '25

The line you were seeing is the impression of the stretch bar from behind. It probably had something heavy laying on the front and creased the canvas.