George Rodrigue
(American/Louisiana, 1944-2013)

"Black Tie Dogs"

painted fiberglass cow sculpture
signed along proper left flank.
h. 56-1/8", w. 93-1/2", d. 25"

Exhibited: Chicago Cow Parade, 1999, Chicago, Illinois.

Notes: The Cow Parade was a program created by the city of Chicago as a creative and fun means of raising money for charities; local businesses were encouraged to sponsor artists to paint life-size fiberglass cow sculptures. After a brief exhibition period, these cows were to be auctioned off. The program was a resounding success, and the amount raised went far beyond the city's expectations. The prominent retailer Neiman Marcus commissioned famed Louisiana artist George Rodrigue to paint three life-size sculptures to be displayed in front of the store's iconic Michigan Avenue location. Of the three cows, one is in a private collection, the second is owned by the Rodrigue family, and the third is being offered here.