Destrehan Plantation unveils rare portrait of namesake

Courtesy Photo

This portrait of Jean Noel Destrehan is believed to be the work of Matthew Harris Jouett.

Destrehan Plantation was the site of the recent unveiling of an original portrait of Jean Noel Destrehan, added to the collection of art of the River Road Historical Society.

The oil of canvas portrait is thought to be the work of Matthew Harris Jouett, painted circa 1818.  Jouett visited New Orleans regularly between 1817 and 1827, and also painted the portrait of Jean Noel Destrehan which is at the Louisiana State Museum.

The portrait will be showcased at Destrehan Plantation along side the original document signed by Thomas Jefferson, dated 1806, in which President Thomas Jefferson appoints Jean Noel Destrehan and others to the Orleans Territorial Council.  A special museum display case is being designed to house both items and will be completed and on display at Destrehan Plantation in early 2011. 

The complete project, display case, portrait and document were funded by The Azby Fund, a New Orleans family foundation established by Herbert J. Harvey Jr.

In celebration of the acquisition, the River Road Historical Society presented a Giclee print of the portrait to St. Charles Parish President, V.J. St. Pierre.   The fine art print will be on display in the St. Charles Parish Courthouse.