The Scouts
Large-format offset lithograph/print on paper, mounted behind glass • After Eanger Irving Couse (1866–1936), a founding member of the Taos Society of Artists.
Style & Movement
American Western Realism / Taos Society of Artists school.
Medium & Technique
Commercial lithography; reproduction of an original oil painting using dots of color to mimic the palette and brushwork of the original source.
Creation Period
Mid-to-late 20th century (c. 1950s-1970s) for the print; based on a 19th or early 20th-century original composition.
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 24 x 36 inches; horizontal landscape format.
Subject Description
A group of Indigenous American figures (likely Taos Pueblo) in traditional dress overlooking a western river landscape from a rocky outcropping. The composition emphasizes a quiet, reflective atmosphere typical of Couse's genre scenes.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible fading from UV exposure and potential acid damage from backing materials.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 (as a decorative mass-produced print).
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100.
Provenance History
Unknown; current lot indicates it is part of an 'Antiques, Oddities and Collectibles' auction, likely sourced from a private estate or local secondary market.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the enduring popularity of Taos Society imagery in American home decor throughout the 20th century. While not an original work, it reflects Couse's influence on the popular perception of the American West.
Notable Features
Housed in a rustic/shabby-chic painted wooden frame with scalloped or notched detailing consistent with mid-century decorative trends.
Condition Issues
Evidence of color shift (fading of yellows/blues), slight rippling of paper, and non-archival framing which may cause foxing over time.
Conservation Recommendations
Exchange glass for UV-protective acrylic; remount using acid-free matting to prevent further deterioration of the paper fibers.