A valuable painting by Texan artist Julian Onderdonk, almost destined for donation, has resurfaced just in time for an auction in Dallas next week.
The painting, A Field of Bluebonnets, San Antonio, was once headed for a donation truck to Goodwill. At Heritage Auctions, it could fetch between $30,000 and $50,000 as part of the Texas Art Signature Auction collection. Bidding will begin at $15,000 and go live on June 29.
It was painted by Julian Onderdonk, known for his depictions of Texas landscapes, particularly the iconic bluebonnets. He became a cornerstone of the state’s artistic history, sometimes being referred to as the “father of Texas painting.”
Originally gifted to an Illinois family in 1922, the painting remained tucked away for decades, its true worth unrecognized until recently, according to a press release from Heritage Auctions.
It was saved from an almost anonymous fate when it was moments away from being given away, and its journey to auction has captured the attention of art enthusiasts and collectors.
“It was a family heirloom all these years,” the grandson of the painting’s original owner said, per the news release. “But it was decoration. We hadn’t considered researching it. And now, it should go to someone who will genuinely appreciate it.”
Other works by Onderdonk are among the 107 lots in the auction, including A Golden Evening, Southwest Texas, and Blue Bonnets on Grey Day, North of San Antonio, Texas. The bidding for these historical paintings will begin at $11,500 and $30,000, respectively. Blue Bonnets is expected to fetch the highest price, with auctioneers estimating a winning bid of between $60,000 and $80,000.
“Many of the best early Texas works have already found homes in private collections and museums. It’s rare to have so many amazing examples of early Texas art that are completely fresh to the market,” said Atlee Phillips, Heritage Auction’s director of Texas art.
Headquartered in Dallas, Heritage Auctions ranks as the third largest auction house of its kind globally, according to its website.
Other noteworthy pieces up for bid hail from artists such as Frank Reaugh, David Bates, Porfirio Salinas, and Everett Franklin Spruce. Among the highlights is a famous painting by G. Harvey titled Turning the Herd, which will kick bidding off at $15,500. Heritage estimates a winning bid for this expressive work ranging between $30,000 and $50,000, according to the auction’s website.
Phillips believes that this year’s Texas Art Signature Auction features some of the most tantalizing lots for collectors in recent years.
“Many of the best early Texas works have already found homes in private collections and museums,” she explained. “It’s rare to have so many amazing examples of early Texas art that are completely fresh to the market. This is not an auction that collectors will want to miss!”