332

G. Harvey (1933-2017), When Cowboys Move On, 1986
Dimensions: 24 x 30
Framed/base Dimensions: 36 1/2 x 42 1/2 x 3 1/2
Signature: signed and dated lower right: G. Harvey - © 1986
verso: titled, signed and dated

oil on canvas
24 x 30 in.

  • Provenance: The Artist
    Trailside Galleries, Jackson, WY
    Private collection, by descent
  • Notes:

    Harvey’s painting, When Cowboys Move On, powerfully evokes an era of transition and the resilience in the American West. Executed in Harvey’s signature impressionistic style, the scene unfolds on a rain-soaked street at dusk or dawn, with two cowboys mounted on horseback passing through a small, bustling town. The reflections glimmer on the wet ground, bringing an atmosphere of both nostalgia and movement. The somber, diffused light and muted tones—yellows, grays, and greens—create a sense of quiet melancholy, while scattered points of warm light from windows and streetlamps add hope and a feeling of community.

    At the center, the two main figures—cowboys in weathered gear—ride purposefully forward. Their presence dominates the foreground, embodying the enduring image of the cowboy as traveler and worker. Their slightly bowed heads and the trailing horses suggest both fatigue and resolve, hinting at the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. In the background, oil derricks tower over the town, their stringed lights cutting through the mist, signaling the arrival of modern industry and change.

    To the right, a group of townsfolk gathers under the shelter of a building, their hats and coats reminiscent of early-20th-century America. The figures’ postures suggest conversation and daily life, yet their attention is drawn to the cowboys passing by. In this moment, Harvey captures a poignant intersection: the fleeting passage of the old West side by side with the steady encroachment of the new.

    Harvey’s brushwork is loose yet disciplined, adeptly conveying rain, light, and texture. The indistinct facial features and muted silhouettes allow viewers to project themselves into the narrative, making the work universal in its emotional scope. His attention to light—reflected from wet surfaces, glowing in windows, sparkling on distant derricks—imbues the piece with hope and endurance amid adversity.

    When Cowboys Move On functions both as a tribute and as a commentary. The painting honors the cowboy’s legacy—hard work, migration, adaptation—while also acknowledging the inevitable progress symbolized by power lines, vehicles, and oil rigs. The rough track, muddied by rain, emphasizes hardship but also growth, as rain brings renewal. The juxtaposition of horse and motor vehicle underscores choices and consequences: to stay or to move on, to cling to tradition or embrace change.

  • Condition: The painting appears to be in very good condition with faint craquelure in the sky. The painting was viewed under blacklight and does not show any indication of inpainting. The frame appears to be in very good condition with miter splits at the inner frame corners and some minor general wear at the outer edges and corners.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Jackson Hole Art Auction may, in its discretion and at a purchaser's request, package and ship items as directed by the purchaser. In such event, purchaser agrees to the following conditions:

a. All such packaging, handling and shipping is at the sole risk of the purchaser, and Jackson Hole Art Auction shall have no liability for any loss or damage to such items.

b. Please allow 4-6 weeks for shipping.

September 13, 2025 10:00 AM MDT
Jackson, WY, US

Jackson Hole Art Auction

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $1,000,000:
20.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $25,000
$500,000 $999,999 $50,000
$1,000,000 + $100,000