LeRoy Neiman's "Mardi Gras Parade"  - Fine Art Print REX border with text. Without doubt the biggest party in America, Mardi Gras has distinctly French roots. A French explorer held a small Mardi Gras celebration on an island in the Mississippi River in 1699. He then sailed a bit further upriver and found the site of the future City of New Orleans. In French New Orleans, balls were held every year, but when the Spanish took control of the city the balls were banned. Thomas Jefferson bought the vast Louisiana Territory from Napoleon in 1803, but Mardi Gras remained banned until 1823, when the Creoles convinced the Americans to reinstate the balls. The rather disorganized celebrations began to take shape in 1857, when six wealthy citizens formed the Mistick Krewe of Comus, a secret organization that inaugurated daytime parades with themes and costumes. Many other krewes were formed, with equally marvelous names. Finally in 1872, a group of citizens formed a krewe called Rex, at least partly in honor of the visiting Russian Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff. Rex was soon enthroned as the King of Carnival, symbol of the holiday. Each year, “Rex Proclaims Mardi Gras”, inviting all the krewes to have their parades, and all the citizens to enjoy 12 days - yes, 12 full days - of unbridled revelry. LeRoy Neiman was invited to paint the official Rex Proclamation for 2002, and this piece is derived from that painting. Immersing himself, as always, in his subject, he attended the celebration, attending society balls and parties and riding costumed on a float in the Rex parade. - Originally Created in 2001 This print is: Plate Signed It is NEWLY CUSTOM FRAMED in a Great Black Wood Frame Double matted in Blue/White The piece measures approx. 16" x 19.5" FRAMING ALONE IS WORTH OVER $150