- More
ROBERT WOOD (G. DAY) (1889-1979). Hill Country Bluebonnets, late 1930s. Oil on canvas. 22in. x 32in.. Signed lower left...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
ROBERT WOOD (G. DAY) (1889-1979)Hill Country Bluebonnets, late 1930s
Oil on canvas
22in. x 32in.
Signed lower left
G. Day or "Good Day" was a pseudonym Robert Wood used early in his career. He also used the moniker "Trebor," which is "Robert" spelled backwards. It has been generally accepted that these early works exhibiting these two signatures were smaller paintings that might have been lacking in execution or quality.
This tour-de-force painting signed "G. Day" shatters that myth. It is undoubtedly one of Robert Wood's principal works. The sky has the remarkable soft glow of the early morning light. Robert Wood has not only succeeded in capturing the fleeting optical effects of the early morning light, but he has distilled and concentrated its essence, making this painting, in effect, a symbol of the beauty of the State of Texas.
Confirming the status of this wonderful painting as a "symbol of the Lone Star State" was its auspicious presentation to W. Lee "Pappy" O'Daniel as a birthday present on his 50th birthday on March 11, 1940 (see inset photo from the surprise birthday party). Governor O'Daniel, and later Senator O'Daniel, was one of the most colorful "grassroots" figures involved in Texas political history.
"Pappy" O'Daniel moved to Fort Worth in 1925 where he became sales manager for Burris Mills Flour Company. In 1928, he took over the radio advertising for the company and began writing songs and discussing religious subjects on the air. His country western band, "The Light Crust Doughboys," became a legend in the country music business. At the urging of his fans he ran for governor in 1938. His populist campaign stressed the Ten Commandments, the virtues of his own "hillbilly" flour, the need for old age pensions, tax cuts, and economic development. Accompanied by his band, The Light Crust Doughboys, and the bible, he canvassed the rural areas of the state attracting huge audiences. O'Daniel ran for the senate in 1941 against Lyndon Baines Johnson, whom he defeated in a hotly contested election.
The consummate political outsider, O'Daniel's popular support waned, and in 1948 he declined running for re-election.
This painting has been owned by the O'Daniel family since it was gifted to the then Governor at his surprise 50th birthday party "with the esteem and affection of his official family." This is a wonderful opportunity to own an icon of the Texas landscape, as well as a bonafide piece of Texas history.
Provenance:
Robert Wood
Governor W. Lee "Pappy" O'Daniel
Acquired by descent from the above by the present owner
Inscribed:
TO GOVERNOR W. LEE O'DANIEL
ON HIS 50TH BIRTHDAY - MARCH 11, 1940
WITH THE ESTEEM AND AFFECTION OF HIS OFFICIAL FAMILY
More information about ROBERT WOOD, also known as Wood, Robert William, Robert Wood, G. Day, Trebor, Robert William Wood.
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid (minimum $9) per lot.
This item cannot be shipped using standard methods. Please contact us for more information. Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Floor auctions
Open for bidding: (View All)Historical
Ends on 03/01/2021
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 03/01/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 03/01/2021
Currency
Ends on 03/01/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/03/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/04/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Ends on 03/05/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/08/2021
Photography
Ends on 03/10/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/11/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 03/11/2021
Fine & Rare Wine
Ends on 03/12/2021
Western & Texas Art
Ends on 03/12/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Ends on 03/13/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/15/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 03/16/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/17/2021
Nature & Science
Ends on 03/19/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 03/21/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/22/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 03/25/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Ends on 03/25/2021
US Coins
Opens about 02/26/2021
Sports Collectibles
Opens about 03/04/2021
Luxury Real Estate
Opens about 01/22/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/03/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 03/08/2021
Movie Posters
Opens about 03/05/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 03/12/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/07/2021
Currency
Opens about 03/08/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/17/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 03/19/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 03/18/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/08/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 02/24/2021
Photography
Opens about 03/19/2021
Musical Instruments
Opens about 03/23/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/23/2021
Photography
Opens about 03/24/2021
Currency
Opens about 03/26/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/16/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 03/26/2021
Historical
Opens about 03/29/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/21/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/02/2021
Currency
Opens about 04/02/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/31/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 04/01/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/22/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/28/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 04/06/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 04/08/2021
Heritage membership
- Past Auction Values (prices, photos, full descriptions, etc.)
- Bid online
- Free Collector newsletter
- Want List with instant e-mail notifications
- Reduced auction commissions when you resell your
winnings
- Cash Advances
- More Bidders
- Trusted Experts
- Over 200,000 Satisfied Consignors Since 1976
Learn about consigning with us
From the preview party to the last lot to go under the hammer, everything was done in a remarkably professional manner.View More Testimonials
HA.com receives more traffic than any other auction house website. (Source: Similarweb.com)
Video tutorial
Getting the most out of search