2015 Coeur d’Alene Art Auction / Lot 113107 / 290  •  View Catalog  •   • 

113
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874 – 1939)
Valley of the Moon (1937)
oil on canvas
16.25 × 20 inches
signed and dated lower left

VERSO
Signed, titled, and dated

A copy of a 1937 letter from the artist to the original owner will accompany the lot.

According to Harold McCracken, “Frank Tenney Johnson stayed with the roundup and rode with the working cowboys, as one of them, until the roundup of the cattle, branding of the calves and separating of the cattle was completed on July 11. Throughout it all he continued to write about practically everything that happened. It is an exceptional record. He also made sketches in addition to the large number of photographs. … Frank continued to make himself sufficiently useful to be looked upon as ‘one of the bunch.’ More important, he got an intimate insight and indoctrination into cowboy life and cattle roundups that was probably equal to that of any other artist who undertook to portray these cavaliers of the American West for the benefit of future generations.”

PROVENANCE
The Artist
Dr. C. N. Heisel, Covington, KY, 1937
Private Collection, MT

113

Frank Tenney Johnson

1874 – 1939

Valley of the Moon (1937)
oil on canvas
16.25 × 20 inches
signed and dated lower left
Sold at Auction: $198,900
Condition ReportSurface condition excellent. Several spots of inpainting in the upper right quadrant, several spots around cowboy’s head and nine specks to the left of his head in the sky. Painting has been lined.

Important Notice: Statements of condition are provided as a service to potential bidders; such statements are educated opinions and should not be regarded as facts. The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction has no responsibility for any errors or omissions.