The Old West used to be a physical place, a vast landscape beyond what Huck Finn considered “civilization.” Now it is a territory within the American psyche, albeit as wide and wild and mythical as ever.

While riders on the lonesome trails may have morphed into truckers (pickup and long-haul) on the lonesome highways, the West of today is still rooted in the romance of the cowboy. Call him a stereotype: There was a reason why “Gunsmoke” and “Bonanza” were two of the longest-running TV series of all time; why the Marlboro Man is one of the most iconic of advertising images; and why country-and-Western music and clothing are as popular as ever. They speak of hard work; of facing down adversity – both natural and manmade; of rugged individualism and the pioneering spirit …

… or maybe Americans just love horses, guns and Stetsons.
Whatever: Those with a love of art and/or the American West won’t want to miss viewing the paintings, prints, photos and bronzes in Heritage Auctions’ 2009 Signature July Art of the American West & Texas Auction, which ends on Thurs., June 16. As always with Heritage art auctions (as opposed to other collectibles), most lots are expected to fetch in the thousands – which makes me offer some observations:

1. It’s like the lottery: You gotta buy a ticket – or, in this case, bid – to have a chance of winning, and you may get lucky. The various collectibles market is pretty iffy these days, and that means there are good deals to be had if you’re in the right place at the right time.
2. If you’re going to get a great piece of Western Americana, why not get one good, authentic one than five cheap knockoffs?
3. Don’t invest: Bid on what you really love and want to own for a long time. If you set yourself a budget (remember the buyer’s premium, tax and shipping) and you win, it’s worth it!
4. If you don’t have enough bread to bid, why not buy a catalog for $50? They’re really as beautifully produced as good art books – and if you do bid and win, Heritage knocks fifty bucks off the top, making the catalog a freebie.

There are 308 lots in this auction. Just a few of my personal favorites: the Edward Sheriff Curtis photogravures of Indians; the Robert William Wood Texas landscapes; and the Oleg Stavrowsky cowboy portrait titled “Seattle Sunset.”

Images courtesy of Heritage Auctions, www.ha.com.

Based in Dallas, Heritage Auctions is an auction house I have dealt with many times over the years, and I have always had positive experiences. Check out this and other Heritage auctions online at www.ha.com