159

VERSO
Inscribed, “Saddled Horse by Carl Rungius. One of his favorite horses on the Box R Ranch, Cora, Wyoming. A gift to Colonel (Richard H.) ‘Red’ Smith from the artist 1950-52.”

According to Rungius biographers Jon Whyte and E. J. Hart, “In the late forties Col. Richard ‘Red’ Smith of the United States Air Force purchased a Rungius painting at the Crossroads of Sport and sought out the artist in New York. Smith had become aware of Rungius’ works when he saw a one-page illustration of game animals Carl had prepared for the Britannica Junior. Smith and his wife, Jane, invited Carl to accompany them for a jaunt to Alaska.… Carl, at nearly eighty, was not keen on trekking across the Alaskan tundra, but he particularly enjoyed a flight over the moose and bear country of the Kenai Peninsula he had portrayed but never seen firsthand, and the three also had a good fishing party at one of the lakes which abound in the area. Most importantly, the trip provided Carl the opportunity to see the northern landscape he might otherwise never have seen again.”

PROVENANCE
The artist, gifted to
Col. Richard “Red” Smith, ca. 1950-52
Private collection, by descent
Coeur d’Alene Art Auction, Reno, Nevada, 2016
Private collection, Dallas, Texas

Condition ReportSurface is in excellent condition. Small spots of inpainting in upper-left and center-right, near edge of frame. Two spots of inpainting in the lower-left corner.

Important Notice: Statements of condition are provided as a service to potential bidders; such statements are educated opinions and should not be regarded as facts. The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction has no responsibility for any errors or omissions.