Alfred Kappes (American, 1850-1894) watercolor painting, original illustration for Harper's Magazine, depicting African American churchgoers in buggies and on foot in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, titled "Acadia / Going to Church" en verso. Signed "A.K." lower left. This grisaille painting was an illustration for "The Acadian Land" by writer Charles Dudley Warner in Harper's Magazine, Vol. 74, February 1887, pages 334-353. Canvas 16" W x 9 3/4" H. Image - 14 1/2" W x 9 3/4" H. Mounted in an antique ebonized and giltwood frame, 26" W x 21" H. (Note: we wish to thank John Sharp at the Center for Louisiana Studies for his help in identifying the source of the illustration). Biography: Alfred Kappes was a 19th century genre painter known for his sensitive portrayals of African American subjects. He illustrated articles for Harper and Brothers, The New York Daily Graphic, and other publications, and exhibited at the National Academy of Design, the American Water Color Society, Boston Art Club, and Salmagundi Club. He was elected an Associate member of the National Academy of Design in 1887 and voted a full member in 1894, but died the same year and his family's failure to provide a portrait to the Academy voided his membership. Source: John Davis, "Alfred Kappes", Paintings and Sculpture in the Collection of the National Academy of Design, 1826-1925 (David Dearinger, Editor).

Paper has been mounted to canvas. C shaped tear, 5" W, with two 1" extensions lower right, affecting feet of one horse. Toning throughout and dampstaining along lower edge. Frame has some wear, abrasions and losses to gilt sight edge.