411

William Penhallow Henderson

(1877 - 1943)

Study for 'Old Santa Fe,' ca. 1935

oil on canvas
18 x 30 in. (45.7 x 76.2 cm.), frame: 20 x 32 1/8 x 1 3/4 in. (50.8 x 81.6 x 4.4 cm.)

  • Provenance: Owings-Dewey Fine Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1991
    The Gregory Warren Nelson Collection, New Mexico

    William Penhallow Henderson's "Study for ‘Old Santa Fe'" (ca. 1935) is a preparatory work for his larger mural, "Sangre de Cristos from Old Santa Fe Trail" (1938), located at the Santiago E. Campos U.S. Courthouse in Santa Fe. This oil on canvas study reflects Henderson's deep connection to the Southwestern landscape, particularly the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which are depicted in their iconic reddish-brown hues, overlaid with soft clouds and set against a dramatic skyline.

    Henderson's use of color and his decorative approach to space exemplify the influence of Post-Impressionism in his work, while the subject matter remains distinctly Southwestern. The study is dominated by rich, earthy tones that emphasize the raw beauty of the region's mountainous terrain, contrasting with white patches of snow on the peaks. Henderson's outlines, often defined by dark blue or black, create a sense of movement and flow across the landscape, giving the composition both structure and a dreamlike quality.

    Henderson's work was an important contribution to the New Deal Art Program, and his ability to blend traditional Southwestern imagery with avant-garde techniques made him a key figure in the region's art scene. This study, with its expressive brushstrokes and earthtone palette, captures the essence of the vast New Mexican landscape that inspired much of his work.
  • Condition: Presents in very good condition. Examined under blacklight. Stretcher bar marks on sides.

    The condition reports for the lots offered by Santa Fe Art Auction (SFAA) are provided as a courtesy and convenience for potential buyers. The reports are not intended to nor do they substitute for physical examination by a buyer or the buyer's advisors. The condition reports are prepared by SFAA staff members who are not art conservators or restorers, nor do they possess the qualifications needed for comprehensive evaluation. Each condition report is an opinion of the staff member and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The absence of a condition report does not imply anything as to the condition of a particular lot. Buyers are reminded that the limited warranties are set forth in the Terms and Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition. Each lot is sold as-is.

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November 9, 2024 1:00 PM MST
Santa Fe, NM, US

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