Original Rodrigue Painting Discovered in Shreveport
An estate sale in Shreveport has revealed a long-lost 1981 oil painting by artist George Rodrigue.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Painting
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Estate liquidators have uncovered an original George Rodrigue oil painting hidden in a private Shreveport home. The piece served as the source material for the 1981 Festivals Acadiens poster.
Why it matters
The discovery brings a significant piece of Louisiana cultural history back to light, as the artist originally created the work to help fund the regional festival.
The painting carries an estimated auction value of $40,000 to $60,000. It is one of roughly 40 works by the artist returning to circulation each year out of a total catalog of 3,500 pieces.
The players
George Rodrigue
He was a prominent Louisiana artist best known for his Blue Dog series and his contributions to the state's cultural landscape.
Neal Auction Company
This is a New Orleans-based auction house specializing in fine art and antiques with historical significance to the American South.
Margaret Shehee Cole
She was the owner of the private Shreveport residence where the painting was discovered.
George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts
This organization works to promote the legacy of the artist and maintains a comprehensive catalog of his body of work.
The details
Cindy Wilkinson discovered the artwork while sorting the estate of Margaret Shehee Cole, where it had been displayed above a fireplace. The painting was identified as the original design for the 1981 Festivals Acadiens, a project Rodrigue undertook as a favor for festival founder Jimmy Domengeaux.
Timeline
1981: George Rodrigue created the original oil painting for the festival poster.
November 19-20, 2026: Neal Auction Company will offer the painting for sale.
Roadmap
The resurgence of this early Rodrigue work highlights the growing collector interest in provenance-rich Southern art. This discovery demonstrates how original source materials for regional cultural events have evolved into high-value assets for the modern fine art market.
Local residents and art enthusiasts can view the piece prior to its transit to New Orleans for the upcoming sale. The discovery serves as a reminder for homeowners to have original artwork professionally appraised when managing family estates.
The takeaway
This find underscores the potential value hidden within private collections and local estates. Owners of historical regional art should maintain documentation to ensure the provenance of their pieces remains intact.
Further reading
Learn more about collecting and valuing fine art in the Painting section.
More information
Prospective buyers can find details on the upcoming sale at the Neal Auction Company bidding portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Advocate.
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