A Dash for the Timber by Frederic Remington
A Dash for the Timber by Frederic Remington, painted in 1889, is one of the most iconic depictions of the American West, capturing a dramatic moment of action and danger. Remington, renowned for his portrayals of the Old West, illustrates a group of cowboys in a desperate ride towards the safety of the timber, pursued by Native American warriors. The painting is characterized by its dynamic composition, with the riders and their horses depicted in full gallop, conveying a sense of urgency and chaos. Remington’s attention to detail, from the dust kicked up by the horses to the tense expressions on the cowboys' faces, enhances the realism and intensity of the scene.
This artwork is significant not only for its vivid portrayal of frontier life but also for its role in shaping the popular image of the American cowboy. Remington’s work contributed to the mythologizing of the West, presenting it as a land of rugged individualism and constant peril. A Dash for the Timber reflects both the excitement and the harsh realities of life on the frontier, making it a quintessential example of Remington’s impact on American art and culture.
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Where and When Made: United States, 1889
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Medium: Oil on canvas
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Full Artwork Name: A Dash for the Timber
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Artwork Style: Western art, realism
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Current Location: Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas
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Subject/Topic: A dramatic chase scene with cowboys fleeing towards the safety of timber, pursued by Native American warriors