Frederic Remington’s "Mountain Man” Maquette

This is the original plaster maquette used to create Frederic Remington’s classic Western-themed sculpture "Mountain Man". The maquette has a mellow, golden-bronze patina from the original surface treatment that complements the intricate detailing of the figure, horse and ground. On the left side of the lower ground section is “Copyright by Frederick Remington”, marked from the original mold when the plaster was cast. The sculpture’s dimensions are height 30" x 21" x 13". It comes with a custom-made glass display case.

Frederic Remington has been assured of a valued place in both the history of the American West, and in American Art History. His iconic art has become visually symbolic of a time and place that is part of the myth and majesty of America. Sanctified by time and nostalgia, this vision of the West is both real and dream, truth and myth, history and story. Remington’s figures remind us of the best we have been and how far we have come, and have yet to go. It is his gift to remind the viewer of the inherent grace and rugged beauty of the solitary rider, the lone cowboy, the fearless horse on the steep slope. That ability to capture the moment and present it to the viewer is the hallmark of a master artist.

As for the Mountain Man itself, here is what the Buffalo Bill Historical Society said of the sculpture: “The Mountain Man represented one of Frederic Remington's favorite historical subjects. He relished depicting the hardy trappers who hunted during the first half of the nineteenth century. In this statue, he has portrayed just such a figure descending a steep mountain slope with confidence and surefootedness. The Mountain Man was selected as the official Commemorative Bronze for the 1984 Inauguration of President Ronald Reagan - adding historic value to its intrinsic worth as a classic of Western art.”

This is a unique and beautiful piece of historic American art, and a rare opportunity for such a purchase.