Remembering George Rodrigue

Just over a week ago on December 14, Louisiana lost one of its most beloved citizens, the artist George Rodrigue.  Growing up in New Iberia, Louisiana, Rodrigue drew inspiration from Cajun culture to celebrate it in art. Most famous throughout the world for his paintings of The Blue Dog and scenes of rural life in southern Louisiana, Rodrigue brought fame to Louisiana because of his iconic art. The legacy of his life continues to live on through the art he left behind.

The Museum is honored to have commissioned Rodrigue to create an image depicting Louisiana’s contribution to WWII.  Museum President & CEO Gordon “Nick” Mueller reminisced upon Rodrigue’s death about when he commissioned him to create a painting. Mueller described Rodrigue, who had visited the museum many times before, affirming that he already knew the story he was going to tell in his painting for the Museum.  

The image Rodrigue created for the Museum was “Victory on Bayou St. John, 2009.” In his iconic portrait style, Rodrigue painted an imagined scene with General Dwight Eisenhower and Andrew Higgins, the legendary New Orleans builder of amphibious landing craft, standing together near trees and bayou waters. Mueller recalls Rodrigue’s saying, “I’m going to do something that never actually happened in their lifetimes, because I can as the artist.” And, that is indeed what the talented artist did. He brought to life the meeting of two gentlemen who had never actually met but had played major roles in winning the war for the Allies.

“Victory on Bayou St. John, 2009” embraces Louisiana heritage while greeting it with greater patriotism for our country. During an interview long ago with Museum founder Stephen Ambrose, Eisenhower credited Higgins with playing a central role in the Allied victory in World War II.  The painting is on display in the Atrium of the American Sector restaurant at the Museum.

Whether it is an image of his famous Blue Dog or portraits of leaders, he created a new history through the lives depicted in his work. A generous patriot will be missed.