JOE RUIZ GRANDEE (AMERICAN B. 1929)

JOE RUIZ GRANDEE (AMERICAN B. 1929)
The Only Law, 1979
watercolor on paper
50 x 60 cm (19 3/4 x 23 3/4 in.)
framed dimensions: 64.5 73 cm (25 3/8 x 28 3/4 in.)
signed and dated lower right

LOT NOTES
Sold with copy of appraisal from Andrew Roughton of One Main Gallery, Dallas, Texas

Joe Ruiz Grandee, born in Dallas, Texas, in 1929, was a distinguished American artist renowned for his sculptures, illustrations, and paintings depicting Western subjects. As a third-generation Texan, Grandee's familial heritage was deeply rooted in the state's history. His great-grandfather, a Castilian nobleman, settled in Corpus Christi, where he established a prominent dance hall and saloon. Grandee's maternal lineage included a Confederate captain and a judge involved in the notable Sutton-Taylor feud trial. ?

In 1947, Grandee briefly attended the Aunspaugh Art School in Dallas. However, he preferred to refine his artistic skills through practical experience, focusing on painting landscapes and integrating elements such as cowboys, horses, and cattle. His East Texas ranch often served as the backdrop for his early works, reflecting his commitment to portraying subjects he knew intimately.

Grandee's dedication to historical accuracy in his art earned him significant recognition. In 1974, the U.S. Capitol hosted a solo retrospective of his work. Additionally, the Texas Legislature appointed him as the Official State Artist of Texas, acknowledging his contributions to the state's cultural heritage. ?

Throughout his career, Grandee's artwork was exhibited in esteemed institutions, including the White House, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library in Austin, the Harmsen Collection of Western Art in Denver, and the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.�

Keywords: Texan art, Western, Cowboy, Vaquero, painting

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