Riders of the Purple Twilight (Descriptive title based on subject matter)
Print, likely a lithograph or high-quality offset lithograph on paper • In the manner of Bill Owen or a contemporary Cowboy Artists of America (CAA) member
Style & Movement
Contemporary Western Realism / American West Art
Medium & Technique
Mechanical printing technique of an original oil painting; features a palette of violets, mauves, and blues with tonal glazing effects
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980-2000)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 36 inches; landscape orientation in a multi-layered mat and wooden frame
Subject Description
A group of five cowboys on horseback traversing a high desert landscape filled with sagebrush under a cool, twilight sky. The composition uses a low-angle perspective to emphasize the vastness of the mountain range in the background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (visible surface reflections suggest glass protection, but possible slight color shifting from UV exposure)
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $350 (standard for a framed commercial Western art print)
Auction Estimate
$50 - $200
Provenance History
Likely a corporate or institutional gift, indicated by the brass presentation plaque at the base of the frame
Art Historical Significance
Represents the late 20th-century revival of the 'Western Mythos' in American art, focusing on the professional life of the modern cowboy and romanticizing the expansive geography of the American West.
Notable Features
Includes a distinctive brass commemorative plaque and professional triple-matting, typical of high-end Western gallery presentations or awards.
Condition Issues
Potential fading of the fugitive red pigments; minor scuffing on the wooden frame; slight rippling of the paper support due to humidity changes.
Conservation Recommendations
Should be kept out of direct sunlight; recommend replacing standard glass with UV-protective acrylic or museum glass to prevent further fading.