I purchased a beautiful original oil painting on canvas today at a thrift store and am having a hard time identifying the name of the artist! It is a large 24x36 and has a receipt from 1969 for the framing, so it is at least that old. The receipt confirms it is a depiction of a Mardi Gras celebration, which definitely makes sense. Based on what I know of the Mardi Gras history and looking at some indicators on the painting, the scene seems to be from the mid-19th century? Who knows of course if that's when it was painted. So perhaps it is French and/or from the Louisiana region? The receipt seems to take a stab at an artists name by writing "Vurt Y. Capny," but that makes little sense and I get no such hits on Google with that name. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks much for any advice. :)

Best,
Jeremy
312.545.8588

UPDATE: Upon further inspection of the back and edges of the painting, I have found a very light inscription which reads the name CAPUZ. The only Capuz I can find is Jose Capuz whose lifetime would correlate with the suspected age of this painting. Anyone know anything about Capuz or have a password for AskArt.com that could confirm the signature and pass along recent sale prices? Here is a link to Jose Capuz's page: Jose Capuz - Artist, Art - Jose Capuz (http://www.askart.com/askart/artist.aspx?artist=11165342)

Thanks in advance for any help!

Jeremy