The LSU Museum of Art (LSUMOA) mourns the passing of longtime supporter, art collector, and prominent community leader, Dr. Adolph Brooks Cronan. Over four decades, Dr. Cronan generously donated more than 230 artworks, reflecting his deep appreciation for art's enduring impact. His gifts increased the Museum's holdings across diverse artistic genres, notably American silver, Newcomb pottery and ephemera, and early American and European painting and prints. Dr. Cronan's discerning eye and commitment to preserving these cultural legacies enriched the institution's ability to educate and inspire visitors.
Beyond the museum, Dr. Cronan's generosity extended to institutions like the Rural Life Museum and Southern University, amplifying Baton Rouge's cultural landscape. His philanthropic legacy will continue to flourish, leaving an everlasting imprint on future generations.
Francois Joseph Frederic Roux, The Ship Bolivar of New Orleans Saving the Crew of the British Brig Friends Goodwill on January 7, 1835, 1836. Watercolor on paper. Gift of Dr. A. Brooks Cronan, Jr. and Diana Cronan.
Among Dr. Cronan's remarkable object gifts is a captivating watercolor by Francois Joseph Frederic Roux. The artwork portrays a seemingly fictional event set in 1835—an evocative scene where the New Orleans tall ship Bolivar heroically rescues the crew of the British brig Friends Goodwill, which had foundered near the Azores enroute to London.
Roux hailed from a renowned lineage of French maritime painters and hydrographers dating back to 1725 in Marseille, France. The Roux family name was synonymous with exceptional skill and precision in portraying ships with lifelike accuracy. Born in 1805 as the middle of three brothers, Roux displayed remarkable talent early, achieving the status of a seasoned painter by age seventeen. His artistic journey encompassed an education under the guidance of both his family and esteemed masters in Paris and Havre.
While Roux’s meticulously and accurately illustrated intricate details of the ships depicted in his works, he artfully ventured into the realm of imagination to imbue his scenes with captivating narratives and drama.
CLICK HERE to read Dr. Adolph Brooks Cronan obiturary.