Bottoms Up

Artist John Young-Hunter (Scottish, 1874 - 1955)

Date1941

Mediumcharcoal on paperboard

Dimensions35 7/8 x 18 inches (91.1 x 45.7 cm)
Frame: 38 5/8 × 20 1/2 × 1 inches (98.1 × 52.1 × 2.5 cm)

Credit LineBequest of H.J. Lutcher Stark, 1965

Object number31.29.9

ClassificationsPaper

Label TextA rodeo performer probably inspired this depiction of a cowboy bucked off his horse and tumbling through the air. Young-Hunter was profoundly influenced by the cowboy of the theatrical arena. At the age of twelve, he saw Buffalo Bill’s Wild West when it came to London and performed for Queen Victoria. He later said it “was a thrilling experience for me.” Young-Hunter became a successful portrait painter of society figures in London. His fascination with the American West led him to immigrate. In the United States, he continued painting portraits, but in his spare time painted American Western scenes.

ProvenanceJohn Young-Hunter [1874-1955], Taos, New Mexico; by inheritance to Eve Renz Young-Hunter [Eve Renz Schroeer 1881-1967], Taos, New Mexico; purchased January 9, 1957 by H.J. Lutcher Stark [1887-1965]; bequeathed September 2, 1965 to the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art

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