Gould-Onderdonk House
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Home of distinguished Texas artists. In 1878, Robert J. Onderdonk (1852-1917), a noted landscape and portrait painter, gave impetus to the realistic style of painting in Texas by settling in San Antonio. Parents of his bride, Emily Gould, built this house in 1882. Here the artists' children were born and pursued their careers, keeping open house for painters. His son Julian (1882-1922) was an honored painter if impressionistic landscapes. Daughter Eleanor (1884-1964) a well-known miniaturist, art curator of the Witte Museum, 1927-1958. Mrs. L. H. Onderdonk, widow of a second son, has preserved the house. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1973
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
When painter Robert J. Onderdonk settled in San Antonio in 1878, he brought a realist sensibility that helped shape Texas art, and in this 1882 house his family made a gathering place for the state's artists. His son Julian became a celebrated painter of impressionistic Texas landscapes, famous for bluebonnet scenes, while daughter Eleanor was a noted miniaturist and served for decades as art curator of the Witte Museum. The home preserved the legacy of one of Texas's most influential artistic families.
Why it matters
The Onderdonks turned San Antonio into a cradle of Texas painting, and Eleanor's long museum career made her a quiet force in shaping how the state collected and displayed its art.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- San Antonio Museum of Art1.2 mi away · 200 West Jones Avenue, San Antonio
- Visitor's Center Museum1.3 mi away
- Artpace1.4 mi away · 445 North Main Avenue, San Antonio, TX
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museum1.7 mi away
- Centro de Artes1.7 mi away
- Alamo Vistor Center and Museum (coming 2027)1.7 mi away
Attractions
- Scobee Planetarium0.3 mi away
- Terror Mansion0.6 mi away
- River boat boarding1.0 mi away
- Murchison Tower1.1 mi away
- boat ride boarding1.3 mi away
- Japanese Tea Garden1.4 mi away
Food & drink
- La Vida Coffee & Drinks1.6 mi away · 106 Jefferson Street
- Texas de Brazil1.6 mi away · 313 East Houston Street, San Antonio
- Voodoo Donut1.7 mi away
- Playland Pizza1.7 mi away
- Maddy McMurphy's Irish Sports Bar1.7 mi away · 420 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- The Local Bar1.7 mi away
Places to stay
- Best Western Premier Historic Travelers Hotel Alamo/Riverwalk1.6 mi away
- The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio1.6 mi away · 300 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX
- Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio1.6 mi away · 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- Home2 Suites by Hilton San Antonio Downtown - Riverwalk, TX1.6 mi away · 603 Navarro Street, San Antonio, TX
- Holiday Inn Riverwalk1.7 mi away · 217 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
- Hotel Gibbs Downtown San Antonio Riverwalk1.7 mi away
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Robert J. Onderdonk
- · Julian Onderdonk
- · Eleanor Onderdonk
Themes & tags
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