William Herbert Dunton Paintings & Artwork for Sale | William Herbert Dunton Art Value Price Guide

Nov. 09, 2024
William Herbert Dunton, On the Mesa, ca. 1916
Est: $50,000 - $70,000
William Herbert Dunton (1878 - 1936) On the Mesa, ca. 1916 oil on canvas signed lower left: W. Herbert Dunton This painting will be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné of works by W. Herbert Dunton being compiled by Michael R. Grauer
Santa Fe Art Auction
May. 17, 2024
W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936) - Texas Bronc Twister Model Van Price No. 5 Southwestern Series
Est: $1,200 - $1,500
W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936) - Texas Bronc Twister Model Van Price No. 5 Southwestern Series. Framed dimensions 21" x 17", unframed dimensions 14.75" x 11.75".
Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery & Auction
May. 17, 2024
W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936) - Taos Pueblo Indian Girl
Est: $850 - $1,000
W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936) - Taos Pueblo Indian Girl. Framed dimensions 20.5" x 17", unframed dimensions 14" x 10.5". c.1930.
Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery & Auction
May. 17, 2024
W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936) - Old Taos Indian
Est: $300 - $500
W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936) - Old Taos Indian. 17.5" x 12.5" unframed.
Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery & Auction
May. 17, 2024
W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936) - Old Pioneer
Est: $1,200 - $1,500
W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936) - Old Pioneer. 22" x 17.25" framed, 21.5" x 17" unframed.
Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery & Auction
Apr. 13, 2024
William H. Dunton, "Night Pueblo"
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
William H. Dunton (1878-1936), "Night Pueblo", Oil on board, Signed lower right
Scottsdale Art Auction, LLC
Mar. 13, 2024
William Herbert Dunton, The Bronco Buster, 1931
Est: $800 - $1,200
William Herbert Dunton (1878 - 1936) The Bronco Buster, 1931 lithograph graphite titled lower left: The Bronco Buster, No. 26 . graphite inscribed lower center: "Cattle Land" Series. © graphite signed and dated lower right: W. Herbert Dunton, ‘31 graphite signed in plate lower right: Dunton / of / Taos
Santa Fe Art Auction
Feb. 02, 2024
W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936) - Taos Pueblo Indian Girl
Est: $850 - $1,000
W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936) - Taos Pueblo Indian Girl. Framed dimensions 20.5" x 17", unframed dimensions 14" x 10.5". c.1930.
Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery & Auction
Feb. 02, 2024
W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936) - Bronco Buster No. 5 Cattle Land Series
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936) - Bronco Buster No. 5 Cattle Land Series. Framed dimensions 21" x 17", unframed dimensions 15" x 10.5". c.1931.
Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery & Auction
Feb. 02, 2024
W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936) - Texas Bronc Twister Model Van Price No. 5 Southwestern Series
Est: $1,200 - $1,500
W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936) - Texas Bronc Twister Model Van Price No. 5 Southwestern Series. Framed dimensions 21" x 17", unframed dimensions 14.75" x 11.75".
Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery & Auction
Feb. 02, 2024
W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936) - Heart of the West Series 'Elk #89'
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936) - Heart of the West Series 'Elk #89'. Framed dimensions 21" x 17", unframed dimensions 20" x 15.5". c.1933.
Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery & Auction
Jan. 18, 2024
WILLIAM HERBERT DUNTON (1878-1936) - Cowboy on a Grey Horse
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
WILLIAM HERBERT DUNTON (1878-1936) Cowboy on a Grey Horse oil and charcoal on canvas laid down on board 11 ¼ x 11 ½ in. (28.6 x 29.2 cm.)
Christie's
Jan. 18, 2024
WILLIAM HERBERT DUNTON (1878-1936) - Cowboy and a Packhorse
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
WILLIAM HERBERT DUNTON (1878-1936) Cowboy and a Packhorse oil on paperboard 8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm.)
Christie's
Dec. 03, 2023
William Herbert Dunton (American, 1878-1936) - Taos Landscape
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
William Herbert Dunton (American, 1878-1936) - Southwestern Landscape (Field Sketch for Sunset in the Foothills) Signed ‘Dunton’ bottom left; also pencil inscribed 'by herbert [sic]/Dunton' verso, oil on canvas laid down to board 5 x 8 in. (12.7 x 20.3cm) Executed circa 1920s. Provenance The Artist. Acquired directly from the above. Ruth and Charles Reynolds, Reynolds Gallery, Taos, New Mexico. By descent in the Reynolds Family. Jody Reynolds Kirberger, Talisman Gallery, Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Acquired directly from the above in 1985. Collection of Dr. Edward Wade, Sedona, Arizona. Lot Essay The present work relates to (and is likely a field sketch for) Sunset in the Foothills, one of Dunton's last important works. Larger versions of Sunset are privately held (see Bonhams sale of April 8, 2008, lot 176) and in the permanent collection of the Stark Museum of Art in Orange, Texas. These sketches, typically small in scale, are among the most decorative and abstract of Dunton's late-career output.
Freeman's | Hindman
Nov. 12, 2023
W. HERBERT DUNTON "BRONCO BUSTER NO. 26" LITHOGRAPH
Est: -
W. Herbert (Buck) Dunton (1878 - 1936) "The Bronco Buster No. 26" (Cattle Land Series) Lithograph on Paper. Inscribed in plate lower right: Dunton of Taos. W. Herbert Dunton worked as a ranch hand in his youth. He studied at Cowles Art School in Boston, Massachusetts and briefly at the Art Students League in 1912, the pupil of Joseph de Camp and E L Blumenschein who told Dunton about Taos. In 1912, Dunton opened his summer studio in Taos. He was invited to join Blumenschein, Sharp, Couse, Phillips, and Berninghaus in the formation of the Taos Society of Artists. His works are held by many important museums and collections including the Amon Carter Museum, the Anschutz Collection, Witte Memorial Museum, and the White House. Artist: W. Herbert Dunton Title: "Bronco Buster No. 26" Medium: Lithograph on Paper Circa/Year: 1931 Signature Type: Pencil Signature Location: Lower Right Site Measurement: 15.25" x 10.625" Image Keywords: Southwestern, Western Artwork, Art; Ref: BD1767
Bradford's
Jun. 24, 2023
W. H Dunton Watercolor Painting
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
A vintage watercolor painting by William Herbert Dunton (American, 1878 - 1936) depicting a Native American holding a bow with a quiver of arrows on his back. Signed in lower right. Presented in a wooden frame behind a burgundy mat. Sight: 8.5" x 4.25
Atlanta Auction Gallery, ltd
Apr. 26, 2023
William Herbert 'Buck' Dunton (1878-1936) A Group of Portraits A group of 4 lithographs on various wove paper, signed in pencil, each titled and dated, 'Model: Van Price. No. 69.', 'Model: Corn Weeds. No. 73.', 'Model: Chapman Ballard. No. 52.', '...
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
William Herbert 'Buck' Dunton (1878-1936) A Group of Portraits A group of 4 lithographs on various wove paper, signed in pencil, each titled and dated, 'Model: Van Price. No. 69.', 'Model: Corn Weeds. No. 73.', 'Model: Chapman Ballard. No. 52.', 'Model: Bill Woods. No. 74.' respectively, with margins, each framed. Titles and dates include: Texas Bronc Twister, from the Southwestern Series, 1930; Taos Pueblo Indian Girl (Corn Weeds), from Southwestern Series, 1931; The Old Pioneer, from the Old Timer Series, 1931; The Prospector, from the Southwestern Series, 1931 (4)
Bonhams
Mar. 16, 2023
William Herbert Dunton, The First Snow - Mule Deer, ca. 1930s
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
William Herbert Dunton (1878 - 1936) The First Snow - Mule Deer, ca. 1930s lithograph, edition 100 of 100 inscribed in plate: Dunton of Taos titled and editioned in graphite lower left: The First Snow / Mule Deer - No. 100 graphite signed and inscribed lower right: W. Herbert Dunton / "Heart of the West" Series.
Santa Fe Art Auction
Mar. 15, 2023
William Herbert Dunton, Texas Cow Hand, 1928
Est: $600 - $900
William Herbert Dunton (1878 - 1936) Texas Cow Hand, 1928 lithograph, edition 51 of 100 inscribed in plate lower left: Dunton of Taos titled and inscribed in graphite lower left: Texas Cow Hand / Model: Van Price inscribed and signed in graphite lower right: To my friend / Duane Van Vechten / from / W. Herbert Dunton / Sept 27th, 1930 editioned and dated in graphite lower right: "Westerner Series" / 5-1-100, Aug 29th, '28
Santa Fe Art Auction
Jan. 22, 2023
W. HERBERT (BUCK) DUNTON (AMERICAN,1878-1936).
Est: $300 - $500
"Heart of the Wilderness, Elk No.19" from Heart of the West Series. Lithograph. Pencil signed, titled and dated in the lower margin. Plate signed in image lower right. From a Rockland County, NY collection.
Clarke Auction Gallery
Dec. 06, 2022
William Herbert Dunton (American, 1878-1936) The Mountain Mother, Black Bear and Cubs
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
William Herbert Dunton (American, 1878-1936) The Mountain Mother, Black Bear and Cubs 1931, "Heart of the West" series, pencil signed and dated bottom right, signed in stone bottom right 'Dunton/of/Taos', titled and numbered bottom left, with wide margins. Lithograph on Rives paper. Image size: 12 x 10 in. (30.5 x 25.4cm) Sheet size: 16 1/4 x 11 1/4 in. (41.3 x 28.6cm) [Schimmel, 233] Provenance Private Collection, New Jersey. In overall good condition. Inscribed on mat board "To my good friend/Cliff C. Jones/June 28th, 1935,/Buck Dunton". Sheet has been lightly toned with time. Soil spots present in the left margin hidden under the mat. Some foxing present in the lower right margin. Frame: 22 1/4 x 17 1/4 in.
Freeman's | Hindman
Dec. 06, 2022
William Herbert Dunton (American, 1878-1936) Heart of the Wilderness, Elk
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
William Herbert Dunton (American, 1878-1936) Heart of the Wilderness, Elk "Heart of the West" series, pencil signed bottom right, signed in stone bottom right 'Dunton/of/Taos', titled and numbered bottom left, with wide margins. Lithograph on Rives paper. Image size: 11 3/4 x 9 7/8 in. (29.8 x 25.1cm) Sheet size: 19 x 16 in. (48.3 x 40.6cm) [Schimmel, 232] Provenance Private Collection, New Jersey. In overall good condition. Inscribed on mat board "To my good friend/Bessie Jones/June 28th, '35/Buck Dunton". Sheet has been lightly toned with time. Small spot of soiling present in left margin but hidden under mat. Two small raised dents present in left margin. Frame: 22 1/4 x 17 1/4 in.
Freeman's | Hindman
Dec. 04, 2022
William Herbert Dunton (American, 1878–1936) Grizzly Bear
Est: $30,000 - $50,000
William Herbert Dunton (American, 1878–1936) Grizzly Bear Signed 'Dunton' bottom right; also pencil titled verso, oil on board 10 3/8 x 8 3/8 in. (26.4 x 21.3cm) Provenance Private Collection, New Jersey. Note We wish to thank Mr. Michael R. Grauer for confirming the authenticity of the present work, which will be included in the forthcoming Catalogue Raisonné of the Artist's work. A letter of authenticity written by Mr. Grauer will accompany the Lot. For Maine-born, Art Students League-trained artist and outdoorsman, W. Herbert Dunton, the American West promised a near-inexhaustible supply of rich and varied subject matter. Following a successful career as an illustrator—for Collier’s, Harper’s Weekly and Cosmopolitan, and for adventure novels by the likes of Zane Gray, Harold Bindloss and Alfred Henry Lewis—“Buck,” as he would come to be known, had taken up painting in earnest by the mid-1910s. From his studio in northern New Mexico, and alongside his Taos Society of Artists colleagues, Dunton trained his eye on cowboy culture, the region’s unique landscape, atmosphere and inhabitants, and its distinctive wildlife. Bears, in addition to deer and elk, figured prominently into the mature phase of Dunton’s career—a roughly decade-long span that would also see him soften his attitude towards hunting. According to Michael R. Grauer, McCasland Chair of Cowboy Culture and Curator of Cowboy Collections and Western Art at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City and author of the forthcoming Raisonné of the artist’s work, Dunton “mainly made ‘dry-hunts’” throughout the late 1920s and 30s, preferring instead to “’take’ game with a thumb-box of oil paints and small canvas panels.” Grizzly Bear, the result of one such outing, is an exemplar of Dunton’s highly-decorative, highly sought-after late style. Moreover, it, in part, reinforces the artist’s preoccupation with grizzly bears—a subject he hadn’t explored since Grizzly Bear on Rock in 1909. The wildlife of the American West had long stoked Dunton’s imagination. In one of the artist’s many unpublished manuscripts, he confessed: “Bear! How my heart leaped and my pulse quickened as I sat, motionless and agape, drinking in those weird tales of an ancient past. For, to me, a bear seemed to belong to those bygone years of the screaming panther and skulking Indian with his war whoop and bloody tomahawk.” The present lot, featuring a mother grizzly and cubs against a tapestry of early-autumn Aspens, is generous in both natural beauty and nostalgia. Its rich palette and stylized forms belie a West that was all too quickly disappearing. Dunton, in works like Grizzly Bear, endeavored to preserve the life and landscape he cherished—in his words, “to hand down to posterity a bit of the unadulterated real thing.” Situating his bears within a forested interior, he abandons strict naturalism in favor of rhythmic lines, patterning, and silhouette. Both fresh-to-market and museum-caliber, Grizzly Bear occupies pride of place within Dunton’s body of work and the history of western art. One of the founders of the esteemed Taos Society of Artists—whose paintings, collectively, contributed to a mythology of the American West and its wildlife—Dunton’s affections for the region, and his commitment to documenting it with accuracy and sensitivity, arguably surpassed that of his colleagues. Grizzly Bear, housed in its original Newcomb-Macklin frame, dates to an important period. In both oil paintings and prints, bears figured prominently into the twilight of Dunton’s career. (At the time of his death, Crest of the Rockies, Grizzly, was being prepared by the New York lithography firm of George C. Miller.) The present work, uncommon in its depiction of a sow and cubs, is among Dunton’s most captivating late paintings, a companion to Black Bears (Denver Art Museum, c. 1927), Mother Bear and Three Cubs (Stark Museum of Art, c. 1934), and Out of the Shadows (n.d., Stark Museum of Art). In excellent original condition with no sign of inpainting as seen under UV light. Frame: 16 1/4 x 14 1/4 x 1 1/4 in. To request additional information, please email Raphaël Chatroux at rchatroux@freemansauction.com
Freeman's | Hindman
Nov. 01, 2022
William Herbert 'Buck' Dunton (1878-1936); On the Great Plains and Heart of the Wilderness, from Heart of the West Series;
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
William Herbert 'Buck' Dunton (1878-1936) On the Great Plains and Heart of the Wilderness, from Heart of the West Series, 1932; 1933 Two lithographs on wove paper, each signed in pencil, titled, dated, annotated 'Prong Horn Antelope' and 'Elk.' respectively, numbered 'No. 54-100.' and 'No. 98' respectively, with margins, each framed. 11 3/4 x 10 in. (29.8 x 25.4 cm.) each framed 25 1/2 x 22 1/2 in. (64.8 x 57.2 cm.)
Bonhams
Nov. 01, 2022
William Herbert 'Buck' Dunton (1878-1936); A Group of Portraits; (5)
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
William Herbert 'Buck' Dunton (1878-1936) A Group of Portraits, 1931 A group of 5 lithographs on various wove paper, four signed in pencil, each titled and dated, annotated 'Knew Bert and his posse, Clay Allison and other early western characters...', 'Model: Van Price. No. 69.', 'Model: Corn Weeds. No. 73.', 'Model: Chapman Ballard. No. 52.', 'Model: Bill Woods. No. 74.' respectively, with margins, each framed. Titles and dates include: The Old Timer (Harry R. Leatherman), from the Southwest Series, 1929; Texas Bronc Twister, from the Southwestern Series, 1930; Taos Pueblo Indian Girl (Corn Weeds), from Southwestern Series, 1931; The Old Pioneer, from the Old Timer Series, 1931; The Prospector, from the Southwestern Series, 1931 (5) various sizes
Bonhams
Nov. 01, 2022
William Herbert 'Buck' Dunton (1878-1936) J-D Outfit 30 x 20 in. framed 40 x 30 in. (Painted circa 1906.)
Est: $80,000 - $120,000
William Herbert 'Buck' Dunton (1878-1936) J-D Outfit signed, titled and inscribed 'W. Herbert Dunton / J-D Outfit / Montana' (lower right) oil on canvas 30 x 20 in. framed 40 x 30 in. Painted circa 1906.
Bonhams
Aug. 20, 2022
Cowboy Print by W. Herburt Dunton 1905
Est: $50 - $75
Vintage Cowboy Print by W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (1878-1936). Depicting cowboy herding a steer, 1905. Framed under glass. 10 X 13 inches overall.
Burley Auction Gallery
Jun. 09, 2022
W. HERBERT ("BUCK") DUNTON (1878-1936) A hasty retreat.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
W. HERBERT ("BUCK") DUNTON (1878-1936) A hasty retreat. Illustration for an unidentified story. Oil on canvas. 510x360 mm; 20x14 inches. Signed and dated "W. Herbert Dunton `07" in lower right. On original stretcher with remnant of caption glued to one side.
Swann Auction Galleries
May. 27, 2022
William Herbert Dunton, Taos Pueblo Indian Girl (Corn Weeds), 1931
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
William Herbert Dunton (1878 - 1936) Taos Pueblo Indian Girl (Corn Weeds), 1931 lithograph, graphite on paper signed in stone lower left: Dunton / of / Taos titled and inscribed lower left: Taos Pueblo Indian Girl / Model: Corn Weeds, No. 86. pencil signed and dated lower right: W. Hubert Dunton, '31. / Southwestern Series / by V.E. Dunton
Santa Fe Art Auction
May. 08, 2022
ACCLAIMED WESTERN ARTIST WILLIAM HERBERT "BUCK"
Est: $6,000 - $10,000
DUNTON (AMERICAN, 1878-1936) PAIR OF PAINTINGS: "BRAGGING THE CLAIM" & "STEALING THE CLAIM". Pair of Dunton signature grayscale black & white oil on canvas depictions of a gold miner’s story, both 30” x 20” and painted as pair. Both have full signatures and dated 1906. William Herbert “Buck” Dunton (1878-1936) was one of the original members of Taos Society of Artists, who maintains reputation for unique consistent style, most of his work is institutionalized, and paintings highly sought. This unique pair will compliment any collection. 1) “BRAGGING THE CLAIM” Jubilant miner has made it rich buying drinks in saloon with cowboys, bartender and cowboys crowd around eyeing the pile of gold nuggets laid out on bar: 2) "STEALING THE CLAIM". Our miner is walking back to his camp with coffee pot after filling with water to find 2 cowboys from the bar waiting for him, one brandishing a Winchester rifle, their horses grazing in background. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: conservation report from Gratz Gallery of Doylestown, PA. NOTE: Dunton was born on a farm near Augusta, Maine. When he was a youngster, Dunton spent much time roaming the woods & fields around Augusta w/ a gun & sketchbook. At the age of 16, he was already selling drawings & stories of the outdoor life in Maine to local newspapers & even the Boston Globe. Later, he became a famous American illustrator & a renowned painter at the art colony located in Taos, New Mexico. He is most known for scenes of the untamed West & for his illustrations for noted Western author, Zane Grey. CONDITION: fine as conserved on new stretchers, relined with minor in-painting, read detailed conservation with excellent before & after detailed photos. PROVENANCE: Removed directly from a printing house in lower Manhattan, descended thru the family. (02-15621 & 02-15622/JS). $6,000-10,000.
Poulin Antiques & Auctions
Dec. 11, 2021
William Herbert Dunton, The Bronc Twister Mug
Est: $2,000 - $5,000
Early 20th century; American Belleek china mug with cowboy scene "The Bronc Twister by W. Herbert Dunton"for the Salmagundi Literary and Arts Society, of New York, 6 in. H., 4 1/2 in. Diam.
Alex Cooper
Nov. 03, 2021
W. Herbert Dunton Portrait Petra Etching
Est: $400 - $600
W. Herbert (Buck) Dunton (1878-1936). Etching on paper titled "Petra, Saint Domingo Pueblo" depicting a portrait of a young girl. The etching is titled along the lower left and signed along the lower right.
Revere Auctions
Aug. 04, 2021
William Herbert Dunton (1878-1936) Delivering the Mail 30 x 25in framed 39 1/2 x 34 1/2in (Painted circa 1915.)
Est: $150,000 - $250,000
William Herbert Dunton (1878-1936) Delivering the Mail signed 'W. Herbert Dunton' (lower left) oil on canvas 30 x 25in framed 39 1/2 x 34 1/2in Painted circa 1915. For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Feb. 26, 2021
William Herbert Dunton (1878-1936) Blackfeet Indians moving to the Buffalo Range 12 x 16in framed 15 x 19in (Painted circa 1916-1920.)
Est: $60,000 - $80,000
William Herbert Dunton (1878-1936) Blackfeet Indians moving to the Buffalo Range signed 'W. Herbert Dunton' (lower right) and titled on a typed artist label (on the stretcher) oil on canvas 12 x 16in framed 15 x 19in Painted circa 1916-1920. For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Nov. 14, 2020
W. Herbert Dunton, Untitled (Forest Stream), 1905
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
W. Herbert Dunton (1878 - 1936) Untitled (Forest Stream), 1905 oil on canvas signed and dated lower right: W. Herbert Dunton / '05 22 x 15 in. (55.88 x 38.10 cm.), Frame: 29 x 22 x 1 1/2 in. (73.66 x 55.88 x 3.81 cm.)
Santa Fe Art Auction
Nov. 14, 2020
W. Herbert Dunton, Taos Pueblo Indian Girl (Corn Weeds), 1931
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
William Herbert Dunton (1878 - 1936) Taos Pueblo Indian Girl (Corn Weeds), 1931 lithograph signed in stone lower left: Dunton / of / Taos titled and inscribed lower left: Taos Pueblo Indian Girl / Model: Corn Weeds, No. 14. signed and dated lower right: W. Hubert Dunton, '31. / Southwestern Series 14 1/2 x 11 in. (36.83 x 27.94 cm.), Frame: 23 3/4 x 20 x 1 1/8 in. (60.33 x 50.80 x 2.86 cm.)
Santa Fe Art Auction
Sep. 19, 2020
William Herbert Dunton (1878-1936) Signed Litho
Est: -
On paper. Pencil Signed in the plate ‘Dunton of Taos’, signed lower right corner V.E. Dunton, titled lower left ‘the old Pioneer‘ model: Chapman Ballard no. 69 inscribed lower right W. Herbert Dunton ‘31 ‘old timer’ series. Still in original shrink wrap. Measures approximately 21in x 16in. Nr12570 ad
EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Jun. 04, 2020
William Herbert Dunton (American, 1878-1936) Old Taos Pueblo Indian Man, number 35, 1930
Est: $800 - $1,200
William Herbert Dunton (American, 1878-1936) Old Taos Indian Pueblo Man, lithograph, signed W. Herbert Dunton and dated (lower right) and titled and numbered (lower left) 14 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches
Hindman
May. 17, 2020
W. Herbert Dunton, (1878-1936 Taos, NM), Mexican Vaqueros roping Brown Bears, Oil on canvas laid to board, 34" H x 50.5" W
Est: $300,000 - $500,000
W. Herbert Dunton (1878-1936 Taos, NM) Mexican Vaqueros roping Brown Bears Oil on canvas laid to board Signed and inscribed lower right: W. Herbert Dunton, Hacienda San Jose de Babicora, Mexico 34" H x 50.5" W Literature: Charles Scribner's Sons New York, "Scribner's Magazine", Volume L1 January-June, 1912, p. 179, fig. 173A, illustrated. Notes: Taos founder William Herbert "Buck" Dunton's early masterwork featuring Mexican vaquero brothers on horseback in the midst of roping two Mexican grizzly bears (now an extinct species), showcases the artist's lifelong parallel interests in animals and hunting, and his skill and talent at capturing Western action in painting. Foremost Dunton scholar Michael R. Grauer writes in a March 2019 letter about the artist's early interest in the painting's subject, "Dunton began hunting and fishing with his grandfather while still a youngster in the Maine woods, often carrying a sketchpad along with his rod or rifle. He practiced amateur taxidermy and skinned animals whose pelts he hung on the wall of his "den". He wrote and illustrated hunting articles for The Amateur Sportsman, American Rifleman, and National Sportsman magazines, and three unpublished stories on hunting and wildlife…During his first trip west in 1896, he hunted for nearly two yeas supplying meat for ranches" (Grauer, p. 1). That 1896 trip to Montana occurred when Dunton was just 18 years old, and Dunton continued to make a number of trips West between 1896 and 1911, including a first visit to northern Mexico in 1909 and the Chihuahua, Mexico trip in 1910 to Phoebe Apperson Hearst's Babicora Ranch during which the present work was executed. According to Grauer, the execution and style of the vaquero painting shows clear influences of important Western artists Frederic Remington and Charles Marion Russell. Grauer notes, "Remington depicted Mexican vaqueros as early as 1890. Russell painted a number of scenes of cowboys roping grizzly bears. Moreover, Russell and his close friend painter Philip R. Goodwin often created 'predicament paintings' in which the outcome remains uncertain for the scene depicted. Their mutual friend Dunton also shared their delight in 'predicament paintings'" as seen in the present work (Grauer, p. 1). Dunton explored the subject of vaqueros a number of times in addition to the present painting, even before actually visiting Mexico, and his vaquero subjects appeared on the covers of The Cavalier magazine in March 1909, The Popular Magazine in March 1911, and Collier's Magazine in May 1911 (Grauer, 2). In a 1916 New York Herald article by Gustav Kobbe titled "Down by the Rio Grande - Types of Vaqueros, Peons, Indians, and Sheep Herders as Seen and Painted by American Artists in Mexico," Dunton is quoted describing vaqueros as "marvelously proficient as ropers and riders" (as quoted in J. Schimmel, The Art and Life of W. Herbert Dunton, 1878-1936, University of Texas Press, 1984, p. 23). The present painting was illustrated in color in the February 1912 issue of Scribner's Magazine in F. Warner Robinson's article The New Cattle Country, p. 181, and was captioned, "Fernando roped one of the bears and his brother caught another" (Schimmel, p. 195). Set in high desert country in the Northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, the hazy and muted, painterly background focuses the viewer's attention fully on the central action. Two vaquero brothers demonstrate their significant roping skill as each work to lasso two grizzly bears. The background rider's arm is raised in mid-swing about to rope one grizzly, while the central foreground rider has just successfully heeled his grizzly. The figures' dress and the horse tack and blanket are historically accurate. "[The foreground figure's] saddle shows typical Northern Mexico tapaderos and the same vaquero sports Chihuahua spurs, with their distinctive thick heel band and large, multi-toothed rowel. Both vaqueros wear fairly typical sombreros and the foremost vaquero wears Mexican-style shotgun chaperreras" (Grauer, p. 2). Additionally, the positions and gestures of the foreground figure and his mount emphasize the artist's keen awareness of how a mounted figure might actually heel a bear. "[T]he vaquero on the bay horse has dallied his reata around his saddle horn, thus allowing him to 'play' the rope and now allow him and his horse to be pulled down by the grizzly" (Grauer, p. 2). The forward leaning figure and his rearing horse work in tandem to pull the bear off balance onto his back. This exceptionally rare museum-quality painting, with its ambitious size and forceful subject, has remained in the family of Texas General Homer I. Lewis for many years. It was, by repute, likely purchased directly from the estate of Phoebe Apperson Hearst.
John Moran Auctioneers
Dec. 10, 2019
SEAFARING WILLIAM HERBERT DUNTON. "He saw the body fall off of the seat and into the bottom of the dory."
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
WILLIAM HERBERT DUNTON. "He saw the body fall off of the seat and into the bottom of the dory." Story illustration for "Frenchie and his Mate" by James B. Connelly, published in Success Magazine, June 1906. Oil on canvas. 460x635 mm; 18x25 inches. Signed "W. Herbert Dunton" and dated [19]06 in lower left image. Framed.
Swann Auction Galleries
Nov. 20, 2019
William Herbert Dunton (1878-1936) - The Night Guard
Est: $80,000 - $120,000
William Herbert Dunton (1878-1936) The Night Guard oil on canvas 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.6 cm.)
Christie's
Jun. 15, 2019
W. Herbert Dunton, Untitled (Cowboy)
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Untitled (Cowboy)
Santa Fe Art Auction
May. 31, 2019
Gene Kloss | Pueblo Landscape
Est: $6,000 - $9,000
Artist: Gene Kloss | 1903-1996 NA Title: Pueblo Landscape Signed l/r: Kloss Media: Watercolor on paper Dimensions: 12 by 20 inches
Altermann Galleries
May. 31, 2019
William Herbert Dunton | Mountain Landscape (desc)
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Artist: William Herbert Dunton | 1878-1936 TSA Title: Mountain Landscape (desc) Signed u/l: Dunton Media: Oil on canvas panel Dimensions: 5 by 7 1/2 inches
Altermann Galleries
May. 05, 2019
WILLIAM HERBERT DUNTON (AMERICAN, 1878-1936).
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Oil on Canvas. Western Chase Scene. Signed lower left. From a Pearl River, NY collection.
Clarke Auction Gallery
Mar. 16, 2019
W. HERBERT DUNTON Chromolithograph
Est: $400 - $800
Old chromolithograph print of a cowboy on a bucking horse (bronco) with a woman on a horse in the background, likely a spec piece for an advertisement. Titled "Broncho Buster" and signed W. Herbert Dunton (American, 1878-1936) in the plate. Measures 27" x 13".
Blackwell Auctions LLC
Feb. 08, 2019
William Herbert Dunton (1878-1936) Camp of the Bear Hunters 32 1/4 x 25 1/4in
Est: $50,000 - $70,000
William Herbert Dunton (1878-1936) Camp of the Bear Hunters signed, dated and inscribed 'W. Herbert Dunton '13 / New Mexico ©' (lower left)oil on canvas32 1/4 x 25 1/4inPainted in 1913. Provenance: Sale, Jim Fowler's Period Gallery West, Phoenix, Arizona, October 23, 1983, lot 75. Acquired by the late owner from the above.ExhibitedEl Paso, Texas, Panhandle Cattleman's Association Convention, Paintings of the Old West, March 1-4, 1914.Literature: S.H. McGarry, Honoring The Western Tradition: The L.D. "Brink" Brinkman Collection, Kerrville, Texas, 2003, p. 74, illustrated.We wish to thank Michael R. Grauer, McCasland Chair of Cowboy Culture/Curator of Cowboy Collections and Western Art, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for his kind assistance cataloguing this lot. This painting will be included in his forthcoming catalogue raisonné of the artist's work and has prepared the following entry:William Herbert Dunton began hunting and fishing with his maternal grandfather in the Maine woods while still a youngster, often carrying a sketchpad along with his rod or rifle. He practiced amateur taxidermy and skinned animals whose pelts he hung on the wall of his "den." He wrote and illustrated hunting articles for The Amateur Sportsman, American Rifleman, and National Sportsman magazines, and three unpublished stories on hunting and wildlife, "Two Boys and a Gun," "Buffalo," and "Bear." During his first trip west in 1896, he hunted for nearly two years supplying meat for ranches, and continued hunting and guiding hunts for the rest of his life. Maintaining that a repeating rifle had no place in the field, and a crack shot himself, he felt that a hunter who could not kill with one shot should practice until he or she could. By 1905 he was working skillfully in watercolor and oil; usually sketching in watercolor during his trips west, to create "roughs," which he would enlarge and finish in his New York studio. Dunton continued to hunt big game and act as a hunting guide after his first visit to New Mexico in 1912. After moving to Taos in 1915 he supplemented his income by acting as a hunting and fishing guide. At one point, he was president of the Taos fish and game association. Writing to a client in 1926, Dunton discussed the source of his ideas for hunter, hunting, and outdoor paintings: "The inspiration for this canvas--as in my others--was my own trips in the hills. . . I have depicted no particular place--as I do in few of my canvases--changing the lines of those I see in nature to make a 'composition.'" Dunton insisted upon appropriate clothing and accoutrements in his paintings, although he never descended into accuracy for its own sake. In Camp of the Bear Hunters the axe handle leaning against the log (foreground left) and the saddle silhouetted against the campfire (foreground right) are "little things" that Dunton knew would appeal to outdoorsmen. The saddle is typical of Old West days with its "slick forks," small seat and high cantle, and the OK-style spurs hooked over the horn are a nice touch. Also appealing to hunters are the two rifles at middle ground right, reflected in the campfire-light. The left-most rifle appears to be a Winchester Model 1866 Repeating Rifle; most likely a .44 caliber as these are bear hunters. Sometimes referred to as the "Yellow Boy," a term coined by American Indians because of the bright brass frame, the Model 1866 was the first Winchester rifle. The right-most rifle appears to be a Winchester Model 1895 Repeating Rifle, one of the first successful box-magazine lever action rifles. The facing hunter wears a hat with a Carlsbad crease, favored about this time, and hob-nail laced hunting boots. The hunter with his back to the viewer sports a hat with a "Montana" crease, soon to receive world-wide attention as the type of campaign hat (chapeaux de cowboy) worn by American soldiers and Marines in World War I. Camp of the Bear Hunters also shows the influence of Frederic Remington on Dunton's work. Dunton recognized Remington as an "Old Master" of Western art. Some critics even felt that after Remington died in 1909 only Dunton possessed the "ability to carry on the work where [Frederic] Remington left off" and he was called "the Remington of the Southwest." Dunton pays tribute to Remington's interest in both nocturnes and hunting scenes, such as the National Cowboy Museum's Hunter's Supper, among Remington's hallmarks and something for which Dunton also became known. Camp of the Bear Hunters also reflects Dunton's friendship with one of the leading outdoor artists of the early 1900s, Philip R. Goodwin.Dunton's methods for using his "kills" as models in his work included posing an animal and allowing the animal to freeze in position, then sketching it. By the 1920s, with the disappearance of many New Mexico big-game species, especially bears, Dunton's hunting philosophy and methods began to change as he went on "dry hunts," wherein he would "take" game with camera and/or oil sketches. He spoke out against overhunting in a radio address in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1924, "Hunt But Don't Kill All." He said "...as I grow older, the shooting of big game grows less to my liking. Many times I've pulled down on a handsome animal and hated to pull the trigger--saying to myself--'You're too damned innocent of any wrong doing--too deuced handsome to kill. There's thousands of humans, for humanity's sake, I aught [sic] to shoot before I do you." Dunton's unpublished story, "Bear," speaks directly to his experiences in hunting bears and his admiration for the species throughout his life.
Bonhams
Jul. 21, 2018
WILLIAM "BUCK" DUNTON (AMERICAN, 1878-1936).
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
WILLIAM "BUCK" DUNTON (AMERICAN, 1878-1936). Ranger and Rider Oil on canvas, signed lower left. Two horseback riders and a pack mule. Canvas: 36.3"h. 18"w. Frame: 39"h. 20.5"w.
Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers