Clementine Hunter Giclee

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Clementine Hunter 1887-1988

Plantation Life

Clementine Hunter is arguably one of Louisiana's most famous folk artist of all time. Hunter was born in 1886 at Hidden Hill Plantation, on a tough and demanding cotton farm. At a young age her family moved to Melrose Plantation in Natchitoches parish acquired in 1898 by John and Camelia ("Miss Cammie") Henry. Over the years Miss Cammie turned Melrose into a haven for artists and writers who came to live and work. There Hunter worked the cotton fields and pecan orchards for most of her youth. Later Hunter was promoted to work in the "Big House" at Melrose where she cooked and cleaned for the Henry family. It was in the Big House that Hunter came into contact with New Orleans artist Alberta Kinsley who inspired Hunter to paint.

A servant girl becomes gifted artist

Without any formal training Clementine Hunter produced colorful, child-like, memory paintings that captured life on Melrose Plantation. In 1939, Francois Mignon, a self educated writer came to live at Melrose. It was Mignon who began a tireless, lifelong promotion of the artist. Today the story of the servant girl who became a famous artist is known around the world. Her paintings are recognized as a narrative telling the story of plantation life during the time before back breaking labor was replaced by mechanization.

Historic views of southern life

Clementine Hunter is considered one of the most important self-taught artists of the 20th century. She painted strictly for her own enjoyment, but the impact of her creative efforts reached far beyond the borders of Melrose Plantation. Today, Hunter's paintings are highly revered as accurate historic views of a Southern life and culture that contributed mightily to American history. Her works can be viewed in the Smithsonian Institution, The Museum of American Folk Art and countless other museums and private collections around the world. Clementine Hunter died on January 1, 1988 at the age of 101, not far from her home on Melrose Plantation.

Each fine art reproduction is a gallery-wrapped giclee, making framing optional. Giclee's are a type of canvas art. Each giclee is 1.5 inches thick and already strung so your art is ready to hang right out of the box.