VERSO
Label, J. N. Bartfield Galleries, New York, New York
Label, Tierney Fine Art, Bozeman, Montana

American West historian James D. Horan sought to bring renewed recognition to the work and legacy of Charles Schreyvogel, writing: “The artists who immortalized the American West in oil and bronze are Frederic Remington, Charles Marion Russell, and Charles Schreyvogel. Though the lives and art of the first two have been subjects for many volumes, curiously little or nothing has been written about Schreyvogel, who many believe is not only the superior artist but whose works are more historically correct.

“Schreyvogel’s work captures the entire sweep of the war on the plains – the charging, frightened horses, the desperate painted warriors, and the veteran troopers. Though his scenes are breathless, Schreyvogel himself appears detached, like an objective observer in time who has caught on canvas – in one bright, brilliant moment – all that can be taken in by the broad sweep of the eye. In a flash we see the horses rear, the dust rise, hear the shrill war whoops, the agonized screams of a wounded horse, and the brittle crack of the Winchesters. Imagination and eye have given life to oil and canvas.

“To obtain authenticity Schreyvogel went West in the last days of the frontier. There he worked constantly, sketching horses, troopers, Indians, and equipment. He also took many photographs and bought or begged Indian artifacts. Some, like Sitting Bull’s beaded vest, would today be museum pieces.

“He was a tireless, precise researcher and interviewed chiefs, braves, officers, and troopers who had taken part in historical battles. He also obtained copies of official reports of battles and skirmishes from the War Department.

“A placid man, Schreyvogel became emotional about only one subject – the West. A writer who visited him in 1900 reported that ‘he is almost a fanatic about the region [the West] and speaking of it his eyes deepen with delight … the intensity of the color, the sweep of the prairies, the towering of the mountains, the amplitude, the freedom, are themes upon which he is unaffectedly eloquent.’”

PROVENANCE
J. N. Bartfield Galleries, New York, New York
Private collection, New York, New York
By descent through family, 2025
Private collection, Spearfish, South Dakota

Additional Resources

• Absentee & Phone Bid Form
• Charles Schreyvogel’s Past Results
• View Condition Report

Condition ReportPainting is in excellent condition. Cleaned, varnished, and Beva lined (replaced older wax lining) July 2025. Under UV black light no inpainting present.

Important Notice: Statements of condition are provided as a service to potential bidders and reflect educated opinions, not facts. All painting frames are sold “as is.” The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions.