Fred Darge (American, 1900-1978) New Mexico, Goat Herder Oil on canvasboard 20 x 24 inches (50.8 x 61.0 cm) Signed lower right: F. Darge Titled on the reverse: New Mexico, Goat Herder PROVENANCE: Private collection, Dallas. Fred Darge, born in Germany in 1900, built a career that brought the rugged beauty of the American Southwest to life. After immigrating to the United States in 1923, Darge initially trained at the Art Institute of Chicago, where he developed his skills under the WPA arts program and established himself as a painter. However, it was his move to Texas in the 1930s that truly shaped his artistic vision. Unlike many artists who merely observed cowboy culture, Darge embraced it firsthand, working as a cowboy during the summers in West Texas and New Mexico. His time on the ranches infused his work with authenticity, capturing the spirit of the land and its people through robust brushwork and vibrant color. His subjects - ranch hands, livestock, and expansive Texas landscapes - reflect an intimate knowledge of the region's character. Darge's commitment to capturing Texas extended beyond his time on the ranch. Following his service in the South Pacific during WWII, he returned to Dallas and transformed a WWII ambulance into a mobile studio, traveling extensively across Texas and New Mexico in search of new scenes to paint. Known for his captivating portrayals of Texas landscapes and ranch life, Darge's work is a dynamic narrative of the Southwest, blending the artistic precision of a formally trained painter with the lived experience of a cowboy. His paintings have been widely exhibited across the United States, securing his legacy as an influential figure in Texas art. Darge's love for Texas and its culture lives on in his work, offering viewers a timeless glimpse into the world he knew so intimately. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice