{"product_id":"the-lawless-frontier-by-frank-tenney-johnson","title":"The Lawless Frontier by Frank Tenney Johnson","description":"Frank Tenney Johnson\u003cbr\u003e 1874–1939 | American \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Lawless Frontier\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed, lower left: F Tenney Johnson A.N.A 1930\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Frank Tenney Johnson’s \u003cem\u003eThe Lawless Frontier\u003c\/em\u003e 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.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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 \u003cem\u003eField and Stream\u003c\/em\u003e 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 \u0026amp; Western Heritage Museum, and continue to achieve impressive prices at auction. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dated 1930 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 24 1\/2\" high x 29 1\/2\" wide (62.23 x 74.93 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 31\" high x 36\" wide x 2\" deep (78.74 x 91.44x 5.08 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Texas\u003cbr\u003e MSR, New Orleans","brand":"MSR","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50275023618338,"sku":"32-0249","price":425000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/banksyarts.com\/products\/the-lawless-frontier-by-frank-tenney-johnson","provider":"The Louvre of America","version":"1.0","type":"link"}