American Buffalo at Sunset (The Monarch of the Plains)
Original painting on hardboard or heavy paper, possibly an illustration or commercial piece. • Anonymous Western Americana Painter; reminiscent of mid-century illustrators or regionalist artists of the West.
Style & Movement
Western Americana / Illustrative Realism
Medium & Technique
Opaque media, likely gouache or casein, possibly oil on board; characterized by flat color fields and linear detailing in the bison's fur.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1960)
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format; approximately 16 x 20 inches (estimated based on framing scale).
Subject Description
A dominant male American bison stands in the foreground, profiled against a sunset sky. A smaller herd follows in the valley below, with mountains on the horizon and a buffalo skull in the grass, symbolizing the cycle of life and the near-extinction of the species.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible surface scuffs and areas of glare suggest it may be under plastic or glass, but the matting is damaged with tape residue.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely residential ownership given the condition of the matting and the commonality of the subject matter in mid-century American decor.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the enduring iconography of the American West. While likely a decorative or commercial work rather than a museum-grade piece, it highlights the mid-century nostalgia for the frontier.
Notable Features
The use of a buffalo skull in the foreground adds a memento mori element; the stylized 'scalloped' clouds in the background suggest a specific illustrative influence common in the 1940s-50s.
Condition Issues
Visible surface glare/scratches on the image; significant damage to the green mat board including tape marks, residue, and torn surface fibers.
Conservation Recommendations
The piece should be removed from the damaged matting and re-matted with acid-free materials. UV-protective glass is recommended to prevent fading of the sunset pigments.