The Fall of the Cowboy

  • Painting mediumOil On Canvas
  • Medium typeWallArt
  • Art movementAmerican West
  • Creation date1895
  • Art period19th Century
  • MuseumAmon Carter Museum of American Art
The painting The Fall of the Cowboy by Frederic Remington is a poignant and powerful work that captures the essence of the American West. Created in 1895, this oil on canvas piece measures 89 x 63 cm and is housed at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The painting is a black and white representation of cowboys in the snow, with three men visible in the scene, and two horses prominently featured.

Artistic Significance

The painting's composition is characterized by a monochromatic palette, quiet winter setting, and minimal movement, evoking nostalgia about the end of the era of the cowboy. Remington's use of muted tones creates a somber mood, while his choice of subject matter - two cowboys tending to the gate of a barbed wire fence - highlights the passing of an age. The introduction of barbed wire fencing in the 1870s rendered much of cowboy life obsolete, and Remington's painting is a testament to this significant change. Key Features:
  • The painting's use of muted tones and monochromatic palette creates a somber mood
  • The introduction of barbed wire fencing highlights the passing of an age
  • The composition features two cowboys tending to the gate of a barbed wire fence, with two horses prominently featured

Artist and Museum

Frederic Remington was a renowned American artist known for his vivid depictions of cowboys, Native Americans, and the U.S. Cavalry in the late 19th century. The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is a premier institution dedicated to showcasing American art, with a collection that includes works by Remington and other notable artists. For more information on Remington's works, visit /art/list/?Filter=D3YLJ3-Frederic-Remington-The-Fall-of-the-Cowboy.
To learn more about the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, visit /art/list/?Filter=amon+carter+museum+of+american+art.

Frederic Remington (1861 – 1909)

Explore the captivating world of Frederic Remington (1861-1909), master of Western American art! Discover iconic paintings of cowboys, Native Americans & frontier life – a true American legend.

Amon Carter Museum of American Art (Fort Worth, United States of America)

Discover American art at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art! Explore masterpieces by Remington & Russell, plus photography & 19th/20th-century works. Free admission!

About this artwork

  • Title: The Fall of the Cowboy
  • Artist: Frederic Remington
  • Year: 1895
  • Format: Landscape
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Where to see it: Amon Carter Museum of American Art
  • Medium: Oil On Canvas
  • Period: 19th Century
  • Creative period: Late Period
  • Main color: Gray

Quick Facts

  • Artist: Frederic Remington
  • Influences: Remington Arms
  • Title: The Fall of the Cowboy
  • Subject or theme: Cowboys, winter scene
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Notable elements: Barbed wire, monochrome
  • Location: Amon Carter Museum

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