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The Murderous Contractor Dropped his Knife and Fell
The Murderous Contractor Dropped his Knife and Fell
The Murderous Contractor Dropped his Knife and Fell

The Murderous Contractor Dropped his Knife and Fell

Artist (American, 1878 - 1936)
Date1909
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensions29 1/8 x 19 3/8 inches (74 x 49.2 cm)
Frame: 32 1/2 × 22 3/4 × 1 3/4 inches (82.6 × 57.8 × 4.4 cm)
Credit LineBequest of H.J. Lutcher Stark, 1965
Object number31.21.196
ClassificationsPaintings
Label TextEntwined with the theme of the cowboy is the subject of law and order. Western literature, art, and film often have a “shoot-out” as a climax. Dunton’s painting has a classic composition with the blast of smoke from a gun seeming to propel the victim into the viewer’s space. Dunton’s painting has a twist on the gun battle. The villain came at his adversary with a knife; he was downed with a gun. Technology and virtue prevailed. Dunton’s painting illustrated a story “The Headstrong Deputy” by Captain E.A. “Jack” Hart. It had several twists as well. Through several incidents, the deputy maintained a personal sense of justice.
Provenancepurchased 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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    Stark
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