The Sentinel Rurale-Barracks-Mexico
Artist
William Herbert Dunton
(American, 1878 - 1936)
Mediumpencil and watercolor on Juniata writing paper
Dimensions10 × 8 inches (25.4 × 20.3 cm)
Credit LineBequest of H.J. Lutcher Stark, 1965
Object number31.21.323
ClassificationsPaintings
DescriptionVertical watercolor on paper depicting a human figure in a bright red garment and a tall cowboy hat and holding a long gun vertically in two hands.Label TextMexico attracted artist William Herbert Dunton in 1910. He made this sketch of a member of the Rurales, the rural police force. The Mexican government founded the Rurales to combat banditry. A contemporary of Dunton wrote that the Rurales “are very efficient.” He continued that they “make life miserable for wrong-doers from across the border.” Dunton’s sketch shows a guard wearing a sombrero and a bright red serape. He holds his rifle vertically in a “present arms” position. Yet his stance is somewhat relaxed. What impression does Dunton create of the Rurales?
ProvenancePurchased May 11, 1942 through (Joseph Sartor, Dallas, Texas) by H.J. Lutcher Stark [1887-1965]; bequeathed September 2, 1965 to Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art
On View
Not on view
William Herbert Dunton
William Herbert Dunton
William Herbert Dunton
Frank Tenney Johnson
1918
