THE collection OF
Dr. E. Ralph Lupin new orleans, louisiana Dr. E. Ralph Lupin, esteemed New Orleans physician, philanthropist, collector, and beloved civic and cultural leader, left a lasting impact for generations to come through his immense generosity. As an obstetrician-gynecologist for more than five decades, Lupin delivered thousands of babies and made many important contributions to the field of women’s health care. In 1958 at the beginning of his career, he served as the chief of the OBGYN Department at the 48th United States Air Force Hospital in Lakenheath, England. Upon his return to New Orleans, he became a partner/co-founder and group organizer of the Women’s Medical Center in Gretna and was instrumental in developing the group into one of the premier obstetrics and gynecology practices in the New Orleans region. He held a leadership position in the practice until 2010, when he founded the Lupin Women’s Health Practice. In an interview with St. Charles Magazine, Lupin shared that, “Every time I see a new being come into this world, I feel that my mission in life is fulfilled. My mission in life is to make people happy, and I would have to say that everything I've done is with this mission in mind. Women's health care is my job, and I'll keep doing it until I die.” Lupin and his brothers, Dr. Arnold Lupin and Dr. Sam Lupin, founded and successfully operated St. Charles General Hospital in New Orleans until its sale to Tenet Healthcare Corporation in 1985. With funds from the sale, the Lupin brothers formed the Lupin Foundation, a non-profit foundation that has helped many other non-profits, community service providers, churches and the needy with grants totaling $2 million a year for nearly 30 years. An avid learner, Lupin obtained a Law Degree from Loyola Law School in 1988. Lupin served as chair of the Vieux Carré Commission. He served on the Louisiana State Museum Board for nearly four decades and twice served as chair. He also served on the boards of the Louisiana Museum Foundation, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Lupin Foundation, the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), the New Orleans Symphony, Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, Jewish Family & Children’s Services, the local chapter of the American Red Cross, the University of New Orleans Foundation, the Audubon Institute, the National World War II Museum, the Upper Pontalba Commission (which he chaired), the Sophie Gumbel Guild, the New Orleans Opera Association, the New Orleans Ballet Association, the Jewish Foundation, Young Audiences, Bridge House and many others. Even as he neared the end of his life, Lupin continued to look for ways to serve and to share. One of his last acts of charity was the Lupin Foundation’s decision to fund and underwrite the creation of the Holocaust Wing of the National World War II Museum. Dr. Lupin also served as a General in the Air National Guard. He retired from military service at the age of 65, but he received his last mission in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina. Lupin, then 75 years Pictured Opposite Page: Lot 219
old, stayed in the city as many evacuated, He was reactivated and assigned to the Superdome and Smoothie King Center as the chief medical officer, helping to protect and treat those in need. He remained on duty for six months following the storm. Aside from his public service and professional accomplishments, Lupin was an avid collector of fine art and antiques. His discerning eye and academic-like pursuit of the next great piece resulted in an impressive collection of English and French antique furniture, paintings and decorative arts. Lupin took particular joy in his collection of Imari and Jacob Petit porcelain. In an article in New Orleans Magazine, Lupin shared that, “It’s good to find something you are interested in and then allow yourself to become possessed.” Lupin's time in England sparked an early interest in antiques. While discussing his passion for collecting, he told The Times-Picayune that, "In the 1950s, it was often cheaper to buy a real antique in England than it was to buy a reproduction in the U.S.," he said. "Getting called up for military service in Britain turned out to be one of the luckiest things that ever happened to me." Lupin shared this passion with his first wife, Freda, and the couple travelled to England and France in search of Imari and Old Paris porcelain, as well as mirrors, chandeliers, furniture and more to add to their collection. He recalled a trip where he came back with "three big shipping containers full of antiques–and a lifetime passion for finding more." As a major supporters of the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Lupins bequeathed many important pieces of porcelain from their collection to the institution, which are displayed in the Lupin Galleries on the second floor of the museum alongside many other remarkable pieces. New Orleans Auction Galleries is honored to offer many of the pieces that remained in his collection, as well as an impressive selection of English and French antique furniture, fine silver, lighting, carpets, paintings and more.