Charles Goodnight Exhibition

The Bryan Museum is thrilled to accept a generous donation from James E. Parkman of 13 paintings created by artist Lee Cable as a permanent gift to the Museum. This portfolio of stunning oil paintings details the life and story of famous cowman and plainsman Charles Goodnight and demonstrates the historical wonder of the cattle drive and its importance in the history of the west.

“The stunning oil paintings in this collection are carefully researched, accurate interpretations of significant moments in Charles Goodnight’s life, rendered by Master artist Lee Cable. Each painting is accompanied by a formative sketch along with written narratives describing the characters, events, and how the sketch was used in the final painting. This extraordinary portfolio with story boards will provide the host venue with an excellent opportunity to create educational programs about Texas history, and one of its most exciting, and colorful characters.”

DeVere Burt, Director Emeritus, The Cincinnati Museum of Natural History 

To date there are ten paintings with accompanying pencil sketches for each and a small story board.

In 1878 Goodnight captured a bull Buffalo calf which was later named Old Sikes {Sykes}. This Buffalo became his breeding bull to help reestablish the Buffalo. Old Sikes had no respect for fences or gate. He would disappear for months harassing neighboring cattle and horses.

In the early spring of 1886, Charles decided to bring Old Sikes back to the ranch for good. Grabbing his Mexican spurs, bull-whip he had plaited himself, and his fastest horse, he rode out to drive the troublesome Buffalo back to the JA Ranch. Old Sikes had other ideas. He charged Goodnight and chased him all the way back to the ranch. Goodnight was running for his life.

 

Exhibition List

Quanah Parker • 24×30 oil on linen
Finding Cynthia Ann Parker • 30×24 oil on linen
Horsehead Crossing • 30×24 oil on linen
Dash With Cash • 28×40 oil on linen
Driven From the Palo Duro • 30×40 oil on linen
Over The Edge • 30×40 oil on linen
Gold Rush • 24×24 oil on linen
A Promise Made, a Promise Kept • 30×48 oil on linen
A Good Idea Gone Bad • 30×24 oil on linen
No More Bullets • 16×20 oil on linen
Old Blue • 24×30 oil on linen
Giving Counsel • 24×30 oil on linen
Mary (Molly) Dyer Goodnight • 30×24 oil on linen
(The First Lady of Palo Duro)

 

Driven From The Palo Duro