GUSTAV TROIS American, 1917-2002 WASHINGTON CATHEDRAL, 1975 Oil on canvas. Signed and dated '75 lower right. Oil on canvas - Framed, 36 in. x 26 in. $130-250
ARTIST PROFILE: Gustav Trois (1913–2002) was a versatile American artist and educator whose career was deeply rooted in the Washington, D.C., and Maryland areas. Born in New York and raised in the District, he received his formal training at the Corcoran School of Art under the tutelage of Richard Lahey. Trois became a fixture in the local art community, known for his evocative watercolors, etchings, and sketches that frequently captured Washington's historical landmarks, such as the Georgetown Canal and the National Cathedral. His creative vision was also heavily influenced by his frequent travels throughout Europe, resulting in a body of work that ranged from representational cityscapes to modernist, mid-century abstract and cubist figurations. Beyond his personal practice, Trois was a dedicated mentor who influenced several generations of artists through his private studio in Montgomery County and his long-standing work with the local adult education program. His professional contributions extended to the literary side of the art world, where he authored critiques and articles for various local publications. Today, his work is represented in major public institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution and the Corcoran Gallery of Art, as well as in the private collections of notable figures like Jack Benny, Ethel Barrymore, and J. Edgar Hoover.
