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History in the Making

Currency:USD Category:Western Americana Start Price:NA Estimated At:150,000.00 - 250,000.00 USD
History in the Making
History in the Making
Artist: Harvey, G.Date of Birth: b. 1933
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 36 x 48 inches
Signed: Signed lower right

G. Harvey often situates his paintings at some moment of transition in history. In History in the Making, the moment marks the passing of the torch in Texas from cowboy to oilman, from men of the range to men of industry. Though the three cowboys, their pack horse, and their dog dominate the center of the painting, six derricks loom behind them. At right, men, presumably the men responsible for the oilfield, stand beside two cars. They pay no attention to the cowboys. Nor, in truth, do the cowboys pay any attention to the derricks. A second look shows that Harvey seems to feel that there will be continuity rather than conflict. The derricks and cowboys line up, marching into the future together. The cowboys are ramrod straight, straight as the derricks, suggesting that despite the fact that great forces are at work, those who live through them will do so without flinching. History is made while we go about our business.