The End of the Trail (Horse Study/Fragment)
Sculpture, individual figure • Based on the original design by James Earle Fraser
Style & Movement
American West / Beaux-Arts Realism
Medium & Technique
Bronze or bronze-finished metal (likely white metal or resin with cold-cast bronze plating); lost-wax casting or industrial mold casting with a brownish-gold patina
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (modern reproduction of a 1915 original)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8-12 inches in length; horizontal cabinet-scale format
Subject Description
A representation of the horse from Fraser's famous 'The End of the Trail' monument. The horse is depicted as exhausted and bowed, with its head hanging low, symbolizing the plight and decline of Native American populations in the late 19th century. This specific version is missing the central Native American rider figure typically found in the complete composition.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; the figure appears to be a fragment or a damaged cast as the rider is missing and the saddle area shows an empty mount point
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely a mass-produced decorative object or souvenir; no visible foundry marks or numbering to suggest a limited edition
Art Historical Significance
The original 1915 plaster statue won a gold medal at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. As one of the most recognizable icons of the American West, its imagery has been extensively reproduced in various media. This specific piece is a commercial adaptation of that historical iconography.
Notable Features
Features a realistic Western saddle with stirrups and a chain decorative element; the posture of the horse specifically captures the 'slumped' exhaustion of the Fraser original
Condition Issues
Significant loss of the primary subject (the rider); visible wear on the metallic patina; the metal chain reins are likely a later addition or replacement; minor surface abrasions
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a dry environment to prevent oxidation; dusting with a soft microfiber cloth; avoid chemical cleaners which can strip the thin plating/patina