Cincinnati was home to a burgeoning community of artists during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, creating a period that has often been referred to as the city’s “Golden Age.” The vitality of the city’s artistic community went hand in hand with its commercial growth. Aided by institutions such as the McMicken School of Art and Cincinnati Art Academy, young artists frequently came under the tutelage of nationally recognized and innovative artists. Frank Duveneck, a figure and portrait painter, and Henry Farny, were both prime examples that often drew on the American West for inspiration.

The Golden Age spawned a specific genre of artists whose primary subject matter was the American West. A great deal of excitement over the frontier, the American Indian and unexplored territories prompted several Cincinnati artists to travel to the West and translate their experiences onto the canvas. The popularity of this scenery was widespread and instilled in viewers a sense of fascination and adventure. As a result, the careers of some of the Western artists in Cincinnati were favorably influenced.  Among the best known of this group was Henry Farny.

This American Indian scene in gouache, Summoned by the War Chief, by Henry F. Farny sold for $918,000 at a June 17, 2006 auction.favorably influenced. Among the best known of this group was Henry Farny.

Farny was a German immigrant who established himself as an illustrator for magazines. After a trip to the Dakota territories to witness the completion ceremony of the Transcontinental Railroad, he was hooked on American Indian and frontier subject matter. On his trips he would embody the lifestyle of a frontiersman; making sketches, taking photographs and collecting artifacts. This process was vital because most of his painting and finalized work was completed in Cincinnati. Farny is noted for his accuracy of detail and landscape, as well as his sympathetic disposition towards the American Indian.

Farny gained national fame during his lifetime and interest in his art has remained strong. Today, his work can be seen in the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Taft Museum of Art, as well as institutions throughout the country and he is often represented in exhibitions. Collectors covet Farny’s work and its value has increased exponentially since his death in 1916.

Farny’s favorite medium in painting was gouache, which is a thicker type of watercolor. Although gouache is occasionally considered a lesser medium than oil painting by collectors, Farny is the exception to the rule. His work in gouache carries a certain crispness and vibrant light. Such works consistently receive attention and high prices.

Collecting Tips:

• Western art is very strong in today’s market. Along with Henry Farny, notable Ohio artists who worked with this subject matter incude William Meuttman, John Hauser and Victor Casnelli. Their work still can be purchased at reasonable prices.

• Always be sure to collect from reputable dealers, galleries, or auction houses. Don’t be swayed by an unsigned work that is attributed to an artist without authentication.

• Condition is extremely important in paintings and works on paper. Issues such as inpainting, tears, foxing, flaking of paint and other damage will always diminish the value of a work of art.

About the Author:

Kentucky native Wes Cowan is founder and owner of Cowan’s Auctions, Inc. in Cincinnati, Ohio. An internationally recognized expert in historic Americana, Wes stars in the PBS television series History Detectives and is a featured appraiser on Antiques Roadshow. He can be reached via email at info [at] cowanauctions [dot] com. Article research by Graydon Sikes.

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One Response to “How Henry Farny Won the West”

1. Amber says:

   February 6, 2011 at 3:05 pm

   I am researching this artist for a History of American Illustration course and your information is very helpful; however, according to multiple sources Farny was a French immigrant not German. His full name is Henry Francois Farny and he came to America with his parents from France in 1853.

   Reply

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