Vivian Louise Aunspaugh Sold at Auction Prices

VIVIAN AUNSPAUGH (1869-1960)

VIVIAN AUNSPAUGH (1869-1960) Untitled, 1952 Oil on canvas 24in. x 30in. Signed and dated lower left This painting is emblematic of the changes that had taken place in the Texas cattle industry from the days of the free and open range. In those days, Longhorn cattle dominated the breeds. Longhorns carried the ideal characteristics for cattle of the day -- they were tremendous for long drives -- they could go incredible distances without water, rustle their own food, fend for themselves, swim rivers, and survive the desert sun and winter snow. As the open range was fenced and cattle drives were no longer necessary to get beef to market, ranchers turned to other European breeds of cattle, and the Longhorn dwindled in importance.