G. Harvey (1933-2017)
Leaving the City Lights (Denton, Texas), 1979
oil on canvas
24 x 36 inches
31.25 x 43.5 inches (frame)
signed: lower left G. Harvey 1979
verso: titled and signed

This impressive painting by the Fredericksburg, Texas, artist, G. Harvey, was acquired by Dr. Robert Bass of Dallas, Texas, at an auction held at the home of Clint Murchison Jr. (1923-1987). Clinton Williams Murchison, Jr. was a prominent American businessman and founder of the Dallas Cowboys football team. According to Dr. Bass, he attended an event at Mr. Murchison’s Dallas home in the early 1980’s where Murchison and Dallas Western art dealer Bill Burford auctioned 10 G. Harvey paintings from Murchison’s private collection. The scene in this painting shows cowboys in the downtown square of Denton, Texas, at the end of a cold, wintery day with snow falling all around. Besides being drawn to the artist’s Western painting style with his signature lighting and moody environment, Dr. Bass was especially attracted to the two buildings depicted in the background. The one on the left is the Denton County National Bank with its impressive lighted clock hanging on the corner, and to the right is the First State Bank where Dr. Bass’s father was once the president.

The painting appears to be in good condition. Under UV examination, there is no evidence of restoration or inpainting.