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Learn MoreThe Lawless Frontier by Frank Tenney Johnson
- This is a masterful example of Frank Tenney Johnson’s ability to capture the American West
- The dynamic composition features immersive brushwork and an atmospheric glow
- It centers on two cowboys riding across a rugged landscape under a vast sky
- Johnson is celebrated by collectors, including prominent museum collections
- Get complete item description here
$498,000
Item No.
32-0249
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Description
Frank Tenney Johnson
1874–1939 | American
The Lawless Frontier
Signed, lower left: F Tenney Johnson A.N.A 1930
Oil on canvas
Frank Tenney Johnson’s The Lawless Frontier exemplifies the artist’s exceptional skill in capturing the rugged beauty and spirit of the American West. Known for his mastery of light and dynamic compositions, Johnson renders a striking scene of wild cowboys riding across a rocky trail under a vast Western sky. Here, Johnson brings. . .
1874–1939 | American
The Lawless Frontier
Signed, lower left: F Tenney Johnson A.N.A 1930
Oil on canvas
Frank Tenney Johnson’s The Lawless Frontier exemplifies the artist’s exceptional skill in capturing the rugged beauty and spirit of the American West. Known for his mastery of light and dynamic compositions, Johnson renders a striking scene of wild cowboys riding across a rocky trail under a vast Western sky. Here, Johnson brings. . .
Read More
Frank Tenney Johnson
1874–1939 | American
The Lawless Frontier
Signed, lower left: F Tenney Johnson A.N.A 1930
Oil on canvas
Frank Tenney Johnson’s The Lawless Frontier exemplifies the artist’s exceptional skill in capturing the rugged beauty and spirit of the American West. Known for his mastery of light and dynamic compositions, Johnson renders a striking scene of wild cowboys riding across a rocky trail under a vast Western sky. Here, Johnson brings to life the untamed energy and arresting beauty of the frontier, embodying why he is widely regarded as the artist who “represented the best in the Old West.”
The composition offers a powerful visual experience. Two cowboys ride across a rock-lined path, framed by distant mountains under a luminous sky. The cowboy at the rear holds his lasso open, suggesting the impending apprehension of an animal. Johnson’s precise, yet fluid brushwork creates a scene of palpable energy, with the figures almost on the verge of galloping off the canvas. Johnson developed a distinctive technique, layering a chalk-white base with a hint of vermilion—a method so meticulous it could take over a year per canvas. His modern brushwork and dedication to authenticity set a new standard in Western art, and the technique shines brilliantly in this composition.
Raised in Iowa near the historic Overland Trail, Johnson’s early fascination with the West inspired a lifelong dedication to capturing its landscapes and people. He studied under leading panoramic and animal painter Richard Lorenz and continued his training at the Art Students League in New York. His career flourished through his collaboration with Field and Stream magazine, which sponsored his extensive travels, eventually leading to commissions for the renowned Western author Zane Grey. Johnson’s success was cemented when collector Amon Carter purchased his entire exhibition at New York’s Biltmore Hotel. Today, his works are celebrated in major museum collections, including those of the Autry Museum of the American West and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, and continue to achieve impressive prices at auction.
Dated 1930
Canvas: 24 1/2" high x 29 1/2" wide (62.23 x 74.93 cm)
Frame: 31" high x 36" wide x 2" deep (78.74 x 91.44x 5.08 cm)
Provenance:
Private collection, Texas
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
1874–1939 | American
The Lawless Frontier
Signed, lower left: F Tenney Johnson A.N.A 1930
Oil on canvas
Frank Tenney Johnson’s The Lawless Frontier exemplifies the artist’s exceptional skill in capturing the rugged beauty and spirit of the American West. Known for his mastery of light and dynamic compositions, Johnson renders a striking scene of wild cowboys riding across a rocky trail under a vast Western sky. Here, Johnson brings to life the untamed energy and arresting beauty of the frontier, embodying why he is widely regarded as the artist who “represented the best in the Old West.”
The composition offers a powerful visual experience. Two cowboys ride across a rock-lined path, framed by distant mountains under a luminous sky. The cowboy at the rear holds his lasso open, suggesting the impending apprehension of an animal. Johnson’s precise, yet fluid brushwork creates a scene of palpable energy, with the figures almost on the verge of galloping off the canvas. Johnson developed a distinctive technique, layering a chalk-white base with a hint of vermilion—a method so meticulous it could take over a year per canvas. His modern brushwork and dedication to authenticity set a new standard in Western art, and the technique shines brilliantly in this composition.
Raised in Iowa near the historic Overland Trail, Johnson’s early fascination with the West inspired a lifelong dedication to capturing its landscapes and people. He studied under leading panoramic and animal painter Richard Lorenz and continued his training at the Art Students League in New York. His career flourished through his collaboration with Field and Stream magazine, which sponsored his extensive travels, eventually leading to commissions for the renowned Western author Zane Grey. Johnson’s success was cemented when collector Amon Carter purchased his entire exhibition at New York’s Biltmore Hotel. Today, his works are celebrated in major museum collections, including those of the Autry Museum of the American West and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, and continue to achieve impressive prices at auction.
Dated 1930
Canvas: 24 1/2" high x 29 1/2" wide (62.23 x 74.93 cm)
Frame: 31" high x 36" wide x 2" deep (78.74 x 91.44x 5.08 cm)
Provenance:
Private collection, Texas
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Read Less
Specifications
| Period: | 1919-Present |
| Origin: | America |
| Type: | Paintings |
| Style: | Post-Impressionism |
| Depth: | 2.0 in. (5.08 cm) |
| Width: | 36.0 in. (91.44 cm) |
| Height: | 31.0 in. (78.74 cm) |
| Canvas Width: | 29.500 in. (74.93 cm) |
| Canvas Height: | 24.500 in. (62.23 cm) |
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Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More
