HARVEY T. DUNN (American, 1884-1952). The Plowman, 1907. Oil on canvas. 36 x 24 inches (91.4 x 61.0 cm). Signed lower ri...

Description

HARVEY T. DUNN (American, 1884-1952)
The Plowman, 1907
Oil on canvas
36 x 24 inches (91.4 x 61.0 cm)
Signed lower right: H.T. Dunn

From the Estate of Charles Martignette

PROVENANCE:
Private collection, California;
Christies, Los Angeles,California, Western and American Paintings, Drawings and Sculpture, October 26, 2006, lot 20.

LITERATURE:
Outing Magazine, May 1908, front cover.

Harvey Thomas Dunn was born in 1814 to homesteader parents in the Red Stone Valley in South Dakota. Raised in a sod house as a child he was required to work on the farm but despite these humble beginnings, Dunn desired a life as an artist. At an early age he earned his art tuition by "sod-busting" for neighboring homesteaders. By the age of 17 he left the farm to enroll in the South Dakota Agricultural College, and in 1902 enrolled in the Art Institute of Chicago. Dunn is best known as an illustrator but was also a teacher and a graphic reporter on the front lines of World War I.

The Plowman featured here by Heritage is only one of a handful of known examples of Dunn's early work from 1906-1910 and is the artist's earliest prairie field and oxen painting known to exist. It was also the front cover for Outing Magazine, May 1908. In this piece, Dunn has captured the true realism of prairie life as he knew it. Created only a few years after leaving South Dakota, these pieces best echo the memories of his childhood. Although Dunn spent the last few years of his life creating a body of paintings that captured his then distant memories of his childhood experiences, it is his earlier paintings that truly captured his most vivid and accurate memories of those days. Mr. Dunn's extremely rare paintings from 1907 to 1909 captured the essence of life on the prairie as only someone who lived it could.





*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.