This sketchbook from 1945 by renowned Louisiana self-taught artist, Clementine Hunter, contains twenty-six previously unseen oil-on-paper sketches. These paintings were the first group of sketches ever made by her, and show a very personal and thoughtful depiction of Creole plantation life in the Cane River area of rural Louisiana. Richard Gasperi purchased the sketchbook from the Henry family of Melrose Plantation in the early 1970s, and instantly felt a deep connection to the work included. He decided to keep the sketchbook for himself, in hopes of one day sharing this uniquely personal side of Clementine Hunter with the world. Clementine Hunter: A Sketchbook is the fulfillment of that hope.
