WILLIAM HERBERT DUNTON (American, 1878-1936). The Badger Hole (The Spill), 1906. Oil on canvas. 28 x 19 inches (71.1 x 4...

Description

WILLIAM HERBERT DUNTON (American, 1878-1936)
The Badger Hole (The Spill), 1906
Oil on canvas
28 x 19 inches (71.1 x 48.3 cm)
Signed lower right: W. Herbert Dunton / '06

From the Estate of Charles Martignette.

EXHIBITED:
Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, "The Popular West-American Illustrators 1900-1940", April 2-May 30, 1982;
Palm Springs Desert Museum, Palm Springs, "The Popular West-American Illustrators 1900-1940", September 21-November 21, 1982;
National Cowboy Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City.

LITERATURE:
A.H. Lewis, "The Lecture in Lady Gray", Cosmopolitan, March 1908, p. 52;
J.K. Ballinger and S.P. Gordon, The Popular West-American Illustrators 1900-1940, Phoenix, 1982;
J. Schimmel, The Art and Life of Herbert W. Dunton 1878-1936, Austin, 1984, p. 54.

William Herbert "Buck" Dunton was born in Maine in 1878. Largely self taught as a child, Dunton sold his first illustrative work to a newspaper at the young age of sixteen. It was at that time that he quit school to pursue a career as an illustrator and later enrolled in classes at the Cowles Art School in Boston and the Art Students League in New York. Following his education, Dunton became a well respected and successful illustrator in New York but in 1896 found his true calling when he traveled to Montana. It was on that trip that he fell deeply in love with the nostalgia of the Old West, and that would remain his subject of choice for the remainder of his life.

Heritage is pleased to offer such a great example of Dunton's work as The Badger Hole (Spill) which was painted just six years before his relocation to Taos. During this time in Dunton's career he had become one of the best known American illustrators working with such publications as Harper's Weekly, Cosmopolitan, Woman's Home Companion, and Zane. He was most notably recognized for his lively western outdoor scenes which often depicted dramatic episodes such as galloping cowboys avoiding a cloudburst, or a cowboy and his horse taking a dramatic spill. Despite his successful illustration career, Dunton grew tired of the pressures and demands of New York and moved to Taos in 1912 where he became one of the founding members of the Taos Society of Artist. Once in New Mexico, he accepted very few illustration commissions and focused more on preserving the life of the Old West through his art.


More information about WILLIAM HERBERT DUNTON. See also: Dunton, William Herbert, Dunton, W. Herbert, William Herbert Dunton Artist.



*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. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.