A copy of a Letter of Authenticity from Gerald Peters Gallery will accompany the lot.

In 1861 the artist wrote, “The roaring and bellowing of the distant herd and beating of thousands and thousands of hoofs was exciting and wonderful.

“The whole earth seemed to quiver and shake, while the air was alive with cow birds and birds of prey. The noise increased to a throbbing roar as the bison passed the river. The earth seemed to be a living mass, as far as the eye could see.”