Frank Tenney Johnson Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Frank Tenney Johnson Art Value Price Guide

Apr. 12, 2025
Frank Tenney Johnson Indian Village Oil Painting
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Title is Indian Village. Oil on Canvas laid on Board. 11" by 15 1/8" unframed. Provenance: Private Montana Estate, Davis Brothers Auction, Private Collection Santa Fe New Mexico, John Fillmore Gallery Santa Fe New Mexico. Frank Tenney Johnson (1874 - 1939) was active/lived in California, Iowa. Frank Johnson is known for Western genre, landscape, and nocturne painting. Born near Big Grove, Iowa, Frank Tenney Johnson, became one of the most famous early 20th-century painters of Western genre. He was raised on a farm on the old Overland Trail where he observed western migration of people on horseback, in stage coaches, and in covered wagons. At age of 10, he moved with his family to Milwaukee, and he apprenticed there to panorama painter F.W. Heine (1845-1921), whose specialty was painting horses. From that time, Johnson was ever studying the horse and became noted for his ability to portray it accurately. Then he studied with Richard Lorenz, a member of the Society of Western Painters, and he gave Johnson valuable techniques as well as great enthusiasm for the West. Inheriting a small amount of money allowed Johnson in 1895 to go to New York to study at the Art Students League for five months. Then he returned to Milwaukee and worked as a free-lance illustrator until he and his wife could afford to return to New York, and this time he studied with John Twachtman, Robert Henri, and William Merritt Chase. In 1904, he went to the Rocky Mountains and Southwest for Field and Stream magazine, and this was a life-changing trip in that he set his style and subject matter for the remainder of his life. He especially learned to love the skies during the day and at night, and one of his trademarks became his night scenes. To achieve a certain luminosity, he carefully studied the skies in Maxfield Parish's paintings. He was so successful in his Field and Stream assignment that he continued to make many trips West including a 1912 visit to Arizona where he, on a cross-country train trip, stayed several days at Winslow. During the 1920s, he settled in Alhambra, California and shared a studio with Clyde Forsythe, and his easel paintings began to outsell his illustrations. He did a series of murals in a famous Los Angeles movie house called the Cathy Circle Theater. His painting technique to achieve textural effect was to work quickly, using brushes, palette knife, and his fingers. In the 1930s, deciding to spend his summers away from Alhambra, Johnson built a cabin and studio on the north fork of the Shoshone River in Wyoming, just outside the east gate of Yellowstone Park. For seven years, from 1931 to 1938, he spent much time hiking in the park and painting scenes of its unique landscapes. It has been written that he was a man who "represented the best in the Old West." He was six feet two inches, handsome, virile and admired. For one of his exhibits at the Grand Central Art Galleries at the Biltmore Hotel in New York City, Amon Carter bought the entire exhibition. Shortly afterwards, Johnson went to a dance in Los Angeles, kissed a pretty girl and died the next morning (January 1, 1939) from meningitis.
Davis Brothers Auction
Oct. 12, 2024
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939) Down the Canyon Floor, 1938
Est: $125,000 - $175,000
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939) Down the Canyon Floor, 1938 oil on canvas 30 x 24 inches 39.5 x 33 inches (frame) signed lower left: F. Tenney Johnson NA 1938 verso: titled on stretcher Frank Tenney Johnson was born in Big Grove, Iowa, and explored the Missouri River’s banks as a child near Council Bluffs, influenced by artist Richard Lorenz to pursue art professionally. After studying under Robert Henri in New York, Johnson settled on a Colorado ranch, illustrating for magazines and authors like Zane Grey. In 1920, he joined Clyde Forsythe in California, sharing a studio in Alhambra where he painted Western themes—cowboys, Indians, and settlers. Known for his “Johnson Moonlight Technique,” he co-founded the Biltmore Art Gallery in Los Angeles and participated in the Rancho Visitadores group. Johnson’s evocative paintings earned global recognition before his untimely death in Pasadena. As a painter of the world of Native Americans and cowboys from the northern Wyoming Rockies to the exotic canyons and cliffs of New Mexico and Arizona, Johnson found inspiration in the far West past and present. His career straddled the late 19th century and early 20th centuries, a fertile time in American art. In his day, Johnson was considered the foremost painter of the West, recognized for picking up where Frederic Remington and Charles Russell had left off. In Down the Canyon Floor, the artist displays twilight deep within an inner canyon recess, casting a greenish-blue light on the scene. Although the tonal range is limited, one can still discern a variety of hues including the pale green and tan sandy soil as well as the sepia tones of the boulders and canyon walls, mixed in with greens, blues, and touches of red. Johnson’s mastery of capturing light, mood, and expression are all fully captured in this exceptional painting.
Lone Star Art Auction
Sep. 14, 2024
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939), Night Rider, 1925
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
Title: Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939), Night Rider, 1925 Dimensions: 10 1/2 x 8 1/2 Framed Dimensions: 17 5/8 x 15 1/2 x 2 1/4 Signature: signed and dated lower left: F Tenney Johnson 1925
Jackson Hole Art Auction
Sep. 10, 2024
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939), Rocky landscape
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939) Rocky landscape Oil on board Signed lower left: F Tenney Johnson
John Moran Auctioneers
Jun. 30, 2024
AFTER Frank Tenney Johnson (CA,IA,1874-1939) oil painting
Est: $360 - $450
ARTIST: AFTER Frank Tenney Johnson (California, Iowa, 1874 - 1939) NAME: Cowboy Reaching for His Rifle YEAR: mid 20 century MEDIUM: oil on cardboard. Cardboard applied to board. CONDITION: Some damage to upper left corner. Few scrathes/paint losses. Few small inpaintings/touch ups. SIGHT SIZE: 27 x 31 inches / 68 x 78 cm FRAME SIZE: 32 x 36 inches / 81 x 91 cm SIGNATURE: unsigned CATEGORY: antique vintage painting AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US SKU#: 121496 US Shipping $120 + insurance.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Apr. 13, 2024
Frank Tenney Johnson, "Moonrise Over Trail"
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939), "Moonrise Over Trail", Oil on board, Signed and dated 1934 lower left Titled verso
Scottsdale Art Auction, LLC
Apr. 11, 2024
Frank Tenney Johnson Calendar Top
Est: $25 - $50
Fight In A Frontier Town. 19 1/2" by 18 1/4"
Davis Brothers Auction
Jan. 27, 2024
Frank Tenney Johnson Indian Village Oil Painting
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Oil on Canvas laid on Board. 11" by 15 1/8". Title is Indian Village Frank Tenney Johnson (1874 - 1939) was active/lived in California, Iowa. Frank Johnson is known for Western genre, landscape, and nocturne painting. Born near Big Grove, Iowa, Frank Tenney Johnson, became one of the most famous early 20th-century painters of Western genre. He was raised on a farm on the old Overland Trail where he observed western migration of people on horseback, in stage coaches, and in covered wagons. At age of 10, he moved with his family to Milwaukee, and he apprenticed there to panorama painter F.W. Heine (1845-1921), whose specialty was painting horses. From that time, Johnson was ever studying the horse and became noted for his ability to portray it accurately. Then he studied with Richard Lorenz, a member of the Society of Western Painters, and he gave Johnson valuable techniques as well as great enthusiasm for the West. Inheriting a small amount of money allowed Johnson in 1895 to go to New York to study at the Art Students League for five months. Then he returned to Milwaukee and worked as a free-lance illustrator until he and his wife could afford to return to New York, and this time he studied with John Twachtman, Robert Henri, and William Merritt Chase. In 1904, he went to the Rocky Mountains and Southwest for Field and Stream magazine, and this was a life-changing trip in that he set his style and subject matter for the remainder of his life. He especially learned to love the skies during the day and at night, and one of his trademarks became his night scenes. To achieve a certain luminosity, he carefully studied the skies in Maxfield Parish's paintings. He was so successful in his Field and Stream assignment that he continued to make many trips West including a 1912 visit to Arizona where he, on a cross-country train trip, stayed several days at Winslow. During the 1920s, he settled in Alhambra, California and shared a studio with Clyde Forsythe, and his easel paintings began to outsell his illustrations. He did a series of murals in a famous Los Angeles movie house called the Cathy Circle Theater. His painting technique to achieve textural effect was to work quickly, using brushes, palette knife, and his fingers. In the 1930s, deciding to spend his summers away from Alhambra, Johnson built a cabin and studio on the north fork of the Shoshone River in Wyoming, just outside the east gate of Yellowstone Park. For seven years, from 1931 to 1938, he spent much time hiking in the park and painting scenes of its unique landscapes. It has been written that he was a man who "represented the best in the Old West." He was six feet two inches, handsome, virile and admired. For one of his exhibits at the Grand Central Art Galleries at the Biltmore Hotel in New York City, Amon Carter bought the entire exhibition. Shortly afterwards, Johnson went to a dance in Los Angeles, kissed a pretty girl and died the next morning (January 1, 1939) from meningitis.
Davis Brothers Auction
Jan. 18, 2024
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON (1874-1939) - Two Moons
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON (1874-1939) Two Moons oil on canvasboard 16 x 12 in. (40.6 x 30.5 cm.)
Christie's
Jan. 07, 2024
AFTER Frank Tenney Johnson (CA,IA,1874-1939) oil painting
Est: $360 - $450
ARTIST: AFTER Frank Tenney Johnson (California, Iowa, 1874 - 1939) NAME: Cowboy Reaching for His Rifle YEAR: mid 20 century MEDIUM: oil on cardboard. Cardboard applied to board. CONDITION: Some damage to upper left corner. Few scrathes/paint losses. Few small inpaintings/touch ups. SIGHT SIZE: 27 x 31 inches / 68 x 78 cm FRAME SIZE: 32 x 36 inches / 81 x 91 cm SIGNATURE: unsigned CATEGORY: antique vintage painting AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US SKU#: 121496 US Shipping $120 + insurance.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Sep. 16, 2023
Frank Tenney Johnson
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
(American, 1874-1939) Mexican Freight Haulers, unsigned, oil on canvas, 28 x 22 in.; dark finished wood frame, 31-1/2 x 25-3/4 in. Provenance: Wiggins Fine Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico (label verso); Private Collection, New York Note: Attached verso is a letter of authentication from Steven L. Rose, Biltmore Galleries, Scottsdale, Arizona. The letter is dated October 25, 1990, and discusses this painting as being reminiscent of Johnson's "Mexican Smuggler" of 1923, and "Mexican Nocturne", of 1930. Biltmore Galleries was founded in Los Angeles 1924 by Charles Marion Russell, Frank Tenney Johnson and six other western artists, and Mr. Rose bought the gallery from those venerable artists in 1964.
Brunk Auctions
Aug. 26, 2023
Frank Tenney Johnson, "Set of two: Stella Seated; The Whittler"
Est: $3,500 - $5,500
Painting
Scottsdale Art Auction, LLC
May. 21, 2023
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874 - 1939) Oil on Canvas
Est: $30,000 - $50,000
Provenance: After the sudden death of Frank Tenney Johnson in 1939 the painting was consigned by his daughter Vinnie Francis Johnson to the Biltmore Salon Gallery, Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles, Ca. Acquired in 1939 Madge Blunt Waring from an auction held at the Biltmore. Acquired in 1963 by John Guerriero from the Estate of Madge Blunt Waring then passed by family descent to private collection Bakersfield, Ca. Authenticated in 1996 by Lois Ash, offered at Larsen Art Auction, Scottsdale Arizona in 2018. Then to current owner Paso Robles, California
California Auctioneers
Apr. 30, 2023
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON "FIELD SKETCH" OIL ON BOARD
Est: -
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874 - 1939) "Field Sketch" Oil on Board. A label of authentication is affixed to the reverse, signed by William P. Krehm (1901-1968). Krehm was tasked by the artist's widow to authenticate paintings from Frank Tenney Johnson's studio following his untimely death in Alhambra, California. Frank Tenney Johnson became one of the most famous early 20th-century painters of Western genre. At age of 10, he moved with his family to Milwaukee, and he apprenticed there to panorama painter F.W. Heine (1845-1921), whose specialty was painting horses. From that time, Johnson was ever studying the horse and became noted for his ability to portray it accurately. Then he studied with Richard Lorenz, a member of the Society of Western Painters, and he gave Johnson valuable techniques as well as great enthusiasm for the West. During the 1920s, he settled in Alhambra, California and shared a studio with Clyde Forsythe, and his easel paintings began to outsell his illustrations. He did a series of murals in a famous Los Angeles movie house called the Cathy Circle Theater. His painting technique to achieve textural effect was to work quickly, using brushes, palette knife, and his fingers. Johnson's art won him numerous awards and world-wide acclaim and was a source of inspiration for many of the younger artists. He is collected by major institutions including the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.; the Royal Palace in Copenhagen; and Fort Worth's Amon Carter Museum. Artist: Frank Tenney Johnson Title: "Field Sketch" Medium: Oil on Board Signature Type: Unsigned Site Measurement: 8.25" x 11.25" Image Keywords: Southwestern, Western Artwork, Art; Ref: BD1043
Bradford's
Apr. 26, 2023
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939) Close of Day 16 x 20 in. framed 23 x 27 in. (Painted circa late 1920s.)
Est: $30,000 - $50,000
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939) Close of Day signed 'F. Tenney Johnson' (lower left) and signed again, titled and with the artist's Alhambra address (on the original board backing) oil on canvas 16 x 20 in. framed 23 x 27 in. Painted circa late 1920s.
Bonhams
Jan. 19, 2023
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON, American (1874-1939), Woman with Rifle, oil on canvas, 28 x 22 inches
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON American, (1874-1939) Woman with Rifle oil on canvas signed lower center "Frank Tenney Johnson"
Shannon's
Jan. 02, 2023
AFTER Frank Tenney Johnson (CA,IA,1874-1939) oil painting
Est: $425 - $550
ARTIST: AFTER Frank Tenney Johnson (California, Iowa, 1874 - 1939) NAME: Cowboy Reaching for His Rifle YEAR: mid 20 century MEDIUM: oil on cardboard. Cardboard applied to board. CONDITION: Some damage to upper left corner. Few scrathes/paint losses. Few small inpaintings/touch ups. SIGHT SIZE: 27 x 31 inches / 68 x 78 cm FRAME SIZE: 32 x 36 inches / 81 x 91 cm SIGNATURE: unsigned CATEGORY: antique vintage painting AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US SKU#: 121496 US Shipping $120 + insurance.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Nov. 06, 2022
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON "HORSE HEAD", 1921 PENCIL ON PAPER DRAWING
Est: -
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874 - 1939) "Horse Head", 1921 Original Pencil on Paper Drawing. Depicts a side profile of a horses head, hand signed and dated by the artist. Frank Tenney Johnson became one of the most famous early 20th-century painters of Western genre. At age of 10, he moved with his family to Milwaukee, and he apprenticed there to panorama painter F.W. Heine (1845-1921), whose specialty was painting horses. From that time, Johnson was ever studying the horse and became noted for his ability to portray it accurately. Then he studied with Richard Lorenz, a member of the Society of Western Painters, and he gave Johnson valuable techniques as well as great enthusiasm for the West. During the 1920s, he settled in Alhambra, California and shared a studio with Clyde Forsythe, and his easel paintings began to outsell his illustrations. He did a series of murals in a famous Los Angeles movie house called the Cathy Circle Theater. His painting technique to achieve textural effect was to work quickly, using brushes, palette knife, and his fingers. Johnson's art won him numerous awards and world-wide acclaim and was a source of inspiration for many of the younger artists. He is collected by major institutions including the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.; the Royal Palace in Copenhagen; and Fort Worth's Amon Carter Museum. This work also includes an original pen, ink, and graphite drawing on the backside by Sarah English McDonald dated 1921. Artist: Frank Tenney Johnson Title: "Horse Head", 1921 Medium: Pencil on Paper Circa/Year: 1921 Signature Type: Hand Signed Signature Location: Lower Center Site Measurement: 10.5 x 7.5 in. Keywords: Southwestern, Western Artwork, Art; Ref: BD1736
Bradford's
Nov. 01, 2022
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939) The Full Moon Rises 25 x 24 in. framed 31 1/2 x 30 in.
Est: $150,000 - $250,000
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939) The Full Moon Rises signed and dated 'F. Tenney Johnson / 1926' (lower left) and signed again and with the artist's Alhambra address and titled (on the stretcher bar) oil on canvas 25 x 24 in. framed 31 1/2 x 30 in.
Bonhams
Nov. 01, 2022
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939) An Idle Dreamer 24 1/4 x 30 in. framed 29 x 35 in.
Est: $250,000 - $350,000
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939) An Idle Dreamer signed and dated 'F. Tenney Johnson - N.A. / 1938' and signed and dated again and titled (on the stretcher bar) oil on canvas 24 1/4 x 30 in. framed 29 x 35 in. For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Nov. 01, 2022
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939) Rim Rock Wrangler 28 x 36 in. framed 34 x 42 in.
Est: $250,000 - $350,000
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939) Rim Rock Wrangler signed and dated 'F. Tenney Johnson / NA / 1935' (lower left) oil on canvas 28 x 36 in. framed 34 x 42 in. For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Sep. 17, 2022
Frank Tenney Johnson
Est: $75,000 - $100,000
(American, 1874-1939) Mexican Freight Haulers, unsigned, oil on canvas, 28 x 22 in.; dark finished wood frame, 31-1/2 x 25-3/4 in. Note: Attached verso is a letter of authentication from Steven L. Rose, Biltmore Galleries, Scottsdale, Arizona. The letter is dated October 25, 1990, and discusses this painting as being reminiscent of Johnson's "Mexican Smuggler" of 1923, and "Mexican Nocturne", of 1930. Biltmore Galleries was founded in Los Angeles 1924 by Charles Marion Russell, Frank Tenney Johnson and six other western artists, and Mr. Rose bought the gallery from those venerable artists in 1964. Provenance: Wiggins Fine Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico (label verso); Private Collection, New York
Brunk Auctions
Jul. 14, 2022
Frank Tenney Johnson (American, 1874-1939) Saloon Scene
Est: $600 - $800
Frank Tenney Johnson (American, 1874-1939) Saloon Scene oil on board, preliminary sketch labeled on verso; from the Brad Riffle Collection 11 x 8 inches.
Hindman
May. 19, 2022
Frank Tenney Johnson (American, 1874-1939) Purple Mountains Majesty
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Frank Tenney Johnson (American, 1874-1939) Purple Mountains Majesty oil on canvas signed Frank Tenney Johnson (lower right) 17 3/4 x 11 3/4 inches Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts Robert W. Skinner, Bolton, Massachusetts Galleria Borghi, New York, New York Heritage Auctions, December, 2017, Lot 61053 Acquired at auction by present owner
Hindman
May. 17, 2022
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON (1874-1939) The Prospector oil on canvas 36 x 24 in. (
Est: $80,000 - $120,000
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON (1874-1939) The Prospector oil on canvas 36 x 24 in. (91.4 x 60.9 cm.)
Christie's
May. 17, 2022
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON (1874-1939) Moonlight in the Canyon oil on canvas 22 x
Est: $100,000 - $150,000
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON (1874-1939) Moonlight in the Canyon oil on canvas 22 x 16 in. (55.9 x 40.6 cm.)
Christie's
May. 10, 2022
Frank Tenney Johnson, (1874-1939, Los Angeles, CA), "Desert Study", Oil on Masonite, 12" H x 16" W
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939, Los Angeles, CA) "Desert Study" Oil on Masonite Appears unsigned; the artist's estate label and number, verso 12" H x 16" W Provenance: Sold: Bonhams, California, May 11, 2014, Lot 4043 Private Collection, California, acquired from the above Notes: The artist's estate label, signed by fellow artist William P. Krehm, is affixed verso. The number 758 is also affixed verso.
John Moran Auctioneers
May. 10, 2022
Frank Tenney Johnson, (1874-1939, Los Angeles, CA), "A Rocky Southwest Landscape", Oil on board, 16" H x 11.75" W
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939, Los Angeles, CA) "A Rocky Southwest Landscape" Oil on board Appears unsigned; the artist's estate label and number, verso 16" H x 11.75" W Provenance: Sold: Bonhams, California, February 9, 2014, Lot 7021 Private Collection, California, acquired from the above Notes: The artist's estate label, signed by fellow artist William P. Krehm, is affixed verso. The number 748 is also affixed verso.
John Moran Auctioneers
Feb. 12, 2022
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON (American 1874-1939) A PAINTING, "Schoolbus," 1912,
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON (American 1874-1939) A PAINTING, "Schoolbus," 1912, watercolor on paper, signed and dated L/L. 15 1/4" x 26 1/4"
Simpson Galleries, LLC
Nov. 04, 2021
Frank Tenney Johnson (American, 1874-1939) The Primrose Ranch, 1932
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Frank Tenney Johnson (American, 1874-1939) The Primrose Ranch, 1932 oil on board signed F. Tenney Johnson and dated (lower left) 12 x 16 inches Property from Palm Springs Art Museum Sold to Support the Care of Collections and the George Montgomery Fund for Acquisitions Provenance: Gift of the George Montgomery Trust to Palm Springs Art Museum Lot note: Inscription on verso reads, Property of Georg Montgomery 1978- present 82
Hindman
Aug. 28, 2021
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON (CA/IA, 1874-1939)
Est: $5,000 - $6,000
"Renegades", oil on canvasboard, titled, signed and dated 1927 verso, in a gilt matched corner Arts & Crafts frame, OS: 16 1/2" x 20 1/2", SS: 11 1/2" x 15 1/2". Good condition.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Aug. 21, 2021
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON
Est: $25 - $50
Very nice old print. 11.25" by 14" unframed.
Davis Brothers Auction
Jul. 11, 2021
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON (CA/IA, 1874-1939)
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
Polo Match, gouache on board, signed lower right and dated 1906, in gilt gesso frame under silk mat, glazed, OS: 21" x 25 1/2", SS: 14" x 18 1/2". Repaired edge tears at top and lower left.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Jun. 06, 2021
Frank Tenney Johnson (American, 18741939) Shadow of the Ledge
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
Frank Tenney Johnson (American, 18741939) Shadow of the Ledge Signed illegibly bottom right; also inscribed 'He lay all *** day in the *** shadow of the ledge, buzzards circling overhead. Horse will *** . Return original to *** 48 Charles St, NY.' on upper stretcher verso, oil on canvas 30 x 20 in. (76.2 x 50.8cm) Provenance Private Collection, Wisconsin. Footnote: Note The address indicated on the back of the work, 48 Charles Street, corresponds to the New York address of the studio where Johnson worked between 1917 and 1925. Condition report: Frame: 36 1/4 x 26 1/8 in. The relined canvas in overall good condition, which appears to have been recently cleaned. Examination under UV light reveals minor touch-ups in the sky at upper left, as well as at bottom right in the rock. Some varnish at bottom center. The two figures are intact.
Freeman's | Hindman
Jun. 05, 2021
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON FIGHT IN FRONTIER TOWN PRINT
Est: $50 - $75
Very nice old print. 18" by 22" framed.
Davis Brothers Auction
May. 07, 2021
Frank Tenney Johnson (American, 1874-1939) Ridin' the Range Oil on Masonite 17-7
Est: $30,000 - $50,000
Frank Tenney Johnson (American, 1874-1939) Ridin' the Range Oil on Masonite 17-7/8 x 14 inches (45.4 x 35.6 cm) PROVENANCE: Zaplin Lambert Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico; Private collection, Cypress, Texas. LITERATURE: K. Davis, "Art," Santa Fean, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2007, p. 61, illustrated. According to a certificate-label on the reverse, this work was authenticated by Mrs. F. Tenney Johnson, the artist's widow, on May 8, 1947. A copy of the interior illustration from the Santa Fean accompanies this lot. HID01801242017
Heritage Auctions
Mar. 28, 2021
Attr. Frank Tenney Johnson 17.25" x 23.25" o/brd
Est: $600 - $1,000
Depicted Western vaqueros - Provenance: presented and hung in the Inyo County library for 35 years
California Auctioneers
Feb. 10, 2021
A Frank Tenney Johnson, N.A. (California, 1874-1939) Memorial Exhibition of paintings pamphlet and photo
Est: $30 - $50
A Frank Tenney Johnson, N.A. (California, 1874-1939) Memorial Exhibition of paintings pamphlet and photo A Memorial Exhibition pamphlet, text by A.S. Cowie, November 1-30, 1939, Biltmore Salon, Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles, California, 4 pages, illustrations, accompanied by a framed photograph. (2) 7 1/4 x 5 1/4in (18.5 x 13.5cm); framed photo 10 x 8in (25.5 x 20.5cm)
Andrew Jones Auctions
Jan. 23, 2021
The Trail Herd by Frank Tenney Johnson Painting
Est: $400 - $800
Included in this lot is "The Trail Herd" by Frank Tenney Johnson, painted in 1938. This is a framed lithograph. Frank Tenney Johnson (June 26, 1874 January 1, 1939) was a painter of the Old American West, who popularized a style of painting cowboys that became known as "The Johnson Moonlight Technique". Somewhere on the Range is an example of Johnson's moonlight technique. To paint his paintings, he used knives, fingers, and brushes. In his early career, he worked primarily as an illustrator. He began working for Field & Stream magazine in 1904. In addition to Field & Stream, he contributed to Cosmopolitan and Harpers Weekly magazines and illustrated the Western novels of Zane Grey. Johnson lived permanently in New York City from 1904 until 1920, making numerous trips to the west to gather source material for his works that were completed in his New York studio. He lived and worked on the Lazy 7 Ranch in Hayden, Colorado for a while; later, he went southwest to work on painting Native Americans. In 1920, he moved to 22 Champion Place in Alhambra, California, where he shared a studio with Clyde Forsythe. At this point, Johnson's easel paintings became more popular than his illustrations, so he concentrated in this medium. Together, Johnson and Forsythe founded the Biltmore Art Gallery at the Biltmore Hotel. Between 1931 and 1939, he spent much of his time at his studio in Cody, Wyoming, just outside Yellowstone National Park. Many of his paintings were done there from studies inside the park. Johnson died from spinal meningitis in 1939 in Pasadena, California. This piece is in good shape and has been placed in a wooden frame. The frame measures 22 1/4" by 26 1/4".
North American Auction Company
Jan. 23, 2021
Roping Mavericks by Frank Tenney Johnson Painting
Est: $500 - $800
Included in this lot is a framed "Roping the Mavericks", 1936 lithograph, by Frank Tenney Johnson. Frank Tenney Johnson (June 26, 1874 January 1, 1939) was a painter of the Old American West who popularized a style of painting cowboys, which became known as "The Johnson Moonlight Technique". Somewhere on the Range is an example of Johnson's moonlight technique. To paint his paintings, he used knives, fingers, and brushes. In his early career, he worked primarily as an illustrator. He began working for Field & Stream magazine in 1904. In addition to Field & Stream, he contributed to Cosmopolitan and Harpers Weekly magazines and illustrated the Western novels of Zane Grey. Johnson lived permanently in New York City from 1904 until 1920, making numerous trips to the west to gather source material for his works that were completed in his New York studio. He lived and worked on the Lazy 7 Ranch in Hayden, Colorado for a while; later, he went southwest to work on painting Native Americans. In 1920, he moved to 22 Champion Place in Alhambra, California, where he shared a studio with Clyde Forsythe. At this point, Johnson's easel paintings became more popular than his illustrations, so he concentrated in this medium. Together, Johnson and Forsythe founded the Biltmore Art Gallery at the Biltmore Hotel. Between 1931 and 1939, he spent much of his time at his studio in Cody, Wyoming, just outside Yellowstone National Park. Many of his paintings were done there from studies inside the park. Johnson died from spinal meningitis in 1939 in Pasadena, California. This piece is in good shape and has been placed in a wooden frame. The frame measures 23" by 27 1/2".
North American Auction Company
Jan. 11, 2021
1916 Wildfire by Zane Grey PHOTOPLAY FIRST EDITION
Est: -
Published by Grosset and Dunlap, New York (1916). Frank Tenney Johnson (illustrator). It contains 321 pages. Red cloth with black lettering. B-C code on copyright page. The dust jacket is designed by famed Western artist Frank Tenney Johnson, basis for an early silent era film starring Claire Adams and produced by the young Samuel E. Goldwyn before he formed Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios. Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and the bidder will be responsible for payment. We box and ship what we can to keep costs low, and use USPS and UPS. Large items, extremely fragile, and high value items will be packed by UPS. Quotes available on request
One Source Auctions
Dec. 06, 2020
Frank Tenney Johnson, Seated Woman, Pastel Charcoal
Est: $1,500 - $2,000
Early 20th century American drawing on paper by Frank Tenney Johnson (1874 - 1939). The impressionist-style pastel and charcoal on handcrafted paper art depicts a seated woman with a long white dress. The art is pencil signed and dated on the right. Title: Seated Woman. 16 1/2" x 11 1/2", framed 24" x 18 1/2". Provenance: Estate of the late William Hudlow of San Diego, California.
Kaminski Auctions
Oct. 29, 2020
Frank Tenney Johnson (American, 1874-1939) Evening at Isleta
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
Frank Tenney Johnson (American, 1874-1939) Evening at Isleta oil on canvas signed Frank Tenney Johnson (lower left) 18 x 21 ½ inches Provenance: Exhibited: Western American Art South of the Sweet Tea Line, September 16 - December 31, 2017, Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville, Georgia Property from a Wyoming Ranch
Hindman
Oct. 28, 2020
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939) - Wyoming Cattlemen
Est: $250,000 - $350,000
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939) Wyoming Cattlemen oil on canvas 24 x 30 in. (61 x 76.2 cm.)
Christie's
Oct. 06, 2020
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON (AMERICAN, 1874-1939) COWBOY IN MOUNTAINS Oil on canvas: 48 x 36 in.
Est: $12,000 - $15,000
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON (AMERICAN, 1874-1939) COWBOY IN MOUNTAINS Oil on canvas: 48 x 36 in. Framed Note: Authenticated by Lorie Ash in 1996 Provenance: From the artist to Vinnie Francis Johnson; 1939 Auction at the Biltmore Salon in the Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles; purchased at this sale by Madge Blunt Waring until 1963; purchased from the Estate of Madge Blunt Waring by John Guerriero; by descent to Private Collection, Bakersfield, California until 2017; Private Collection.
Potomack Company
Sep. 20, 2020
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON (American 1874-1939) A PAINTING, "Schoolbus," 1912,
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON (American 1874-1939) A PAINTING, "Schoolbus," 1912, watercolor on paper, signed and dated L/L. 15 1/4" x 26 1/4"
Simpson Galleries, LLC
Sep. 19, 2020
Marine Sketch by Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939)
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939), oil on masonite, 9 1/2 x 11 1/2, signed lower left: Frank Tenney Johnson
Jackson Hole Art Auction
Jul. 14, 2020
FRANK TENNEY JOHNSON (AMERICAN 1874 - 1939) PAINTING (1928).
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Mixed media on paper. Signed lower left, "F Tenney Johnson ANA, 1928" Sight size: 12.5" x 21.5". Frank Tenney Johnson (June 26, 1874 January 1, 1939) was a painter of the Old American West, and he popularized a style of painting cowboys which became known as "The Johnson Moonlight Technique". To paint his paintings he used knives, fingers and brushes. In his early career, he worked primarily as an illustrator. He began working for Field & Stream magazine in 1904. In addition to Field & Stream, he contributed to Cosmopolitan and Harpers Weekly magazines and illustrated the Western novels of Zane Grey. Johnson lived permanently in New York City from 1904 until 1920, making numerous trips to the west to gather source material for his works that were completed in his New York studio. He lived and worked on the Lazy 7 Ranch in Hayden, Colorado for a while, later he went southwest to work on painting Native Americans. In 1920, he moved to 22 Champion Place in Alhambra, California where he shared a studio with Clyde Forsythe. At this point Johnson's easel paintings became more popular than his illustrations so he concentrated in this medium. Together Johnson and Forsythe exhibited in the Biltmore Art Gallery started by Jack Wilkinson Smith at the Biltmore Hotel according to Edan Milton Hughes, Artists in California 1786 1940 Between 1931 and 1939, he spent much of his time at his studio in Cody, Wyoming, just outside Yellowstone National Park. Many of his paintings were done there from studies inside the park. The painting features an old Cavalry Trooper with his canteen and is heading west in the moonlight, with spooked horse and revolver drawn, expecting trouble at any second. It is a true representation of his "Moonlight" style. It is in excellent condition. Provenance: Purchased from Skip Chalfant. Condition: Dimensions: Frame: 25 - 1/4" x 16 - 1/4" x 1 - 1/4".
Morphy Auctions