Frank Tenney Johnson Works Featured in Abell’s Spring Fine Art Auction

Frank Tenney Johnson (1874–1939) is widely regarded as one of the premier painters of the American West, known for his romanticized yet meticulously rendered depictions of cowboys, frontiersmen, and desert landscapes. Trained as an illustrator and shaped by early expeditions with the U.S. Geological Survey, Johnson brought a cinematic realism and emotional depth to Western genre scenes. His works offer a timeless view of life on the frontier, blending academic technique with the rugged spirit of the American Southwest. A regular exhibitor at the National Academy of Design and a founding member of the Cowboy Artists of America, Johnson holds a lasting place in the canon of American Western art.

Abell is proud to present four outstanding examples in our May 31/June 1 Fine Art, Jewelry, and Important Estates Auction:

Desert Moon, 1937, oil on canvas, 22 x 28 in. (55.9 x 71.1 cm.), Frame: 31 1/2 x 37 1/4 in. (80 x 94.6 cm.)
Moonlight Reverie, 1932, oil on canvas board, 18 x 13 3/4 in. (45.7 x 34.9 cm.), Frame: 24 3/4 x 20 3/4 in. (62.9 x 52.7 cm.)
By a Desert Water Hole, 1933, oil on canvas, 20 x 40 in. (50.8 x 101.6 cm.), Frame: 28 x 48 in. (71.1 x 121.9 cm.)
Man on Horseback, 1930, pencil on paper, Sight: 9 1/4 x 6 1/2 in. (23.5 x 16.5 cm.), Frame: 17 1/2 x 13 3/4 in. (44.5 x 34.9 cm.)

Together, these works exemplify Johnson’s command of Western imagery and his enduring influence on American art.

Auction takes place with Day 1 on May 31 and Day 2 on June 1st, 2025

Viewing available starting next week, visit www.abell.com for updated information.