Signed lower left: R.J. Onderdonk

Eleanor Rogers Onderdonk; Estate of the above; Latrobe Julian Onderdonk Laidlaw, by descent from the above.

Robert Jenkins Onderdonk (American, 1853-1917) Herding Sheep Watercolor on paper laid on paper 13-3/4 x 18 inches (34.9 x 45.7 cm) (sheet) Signed lower left: R.J. Onderdonk PROVENANCE: Eleanor Rogers Onderdonk; Estate of the above; Latrobe Julian Onderdonk Laidlaw, by descent from the above. A native of Maryland, Robert Jenkins Onderdonk (1852-1917) studied at the National Academy of Design in New York. The following year (1875) Onderdonk and several other students broke away from the NAD to form the more liberal Art Students League. Robert Onderdonk came to San Antonio in 1879 hoping to paint portraits of wealthy Texans, but commissions were few and he turned to teaching. His son and student, Julian Onderdonk, would later become known as one of the great early Texas artists. In 1886 he helped found the Van Dyke Art Club, the first formal art organization in San Antonio. Robert Onderdonk moved to Dallas from 1889 to 1895, where he painted portraits, taught classes out of his studio on Elm Street, and headed the newly-founded Dallas Art Students League. Onderdonk and his students exhibited their work at the State Fair of Texas where he received medals for his oil and watercolor paintings in 1893. While his wife and children had joined him in Dallas in 1890, his father-in-law's health called his wife back to San Antonio. Emily Gould Onderdonk and their children, including young Julian, returned to San Antonio in early 1894. Onderdonk completed his contract with the Art Students League of Dallas in July 1895 and moved back to San Antonio. We are proud to offer Herding Sheep, an excellent example of why Robert Onderdonk won awards as a watercolorist. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Framed under glass. Sheet is adhered to backing sheet, and hinged to matt verso. Small approx. 1/4 inch loss at extreme corners, not visible in current framing. A few minor tears along the extreme edges stabilized by the secondary support. Small repair with accompanying inpaint in foliage at center. Framed Dimensions 21 X 24.5 Inches