2024 Coeur d’Alene Art Auction to Feature Fine Art by Frederic Remington

The much-anticipated annual Coeur d’Alene Art Auction of fine Western and American art will take place in Reno, Nevada on July 27, 2024. A number of fine masterpieces by the likes of Howard Terpning, Thomas Moran, and Frederic Remington will be available this year. Paintings and sculptures by Remington are particularly notable. Auction Daily takes a closer look at Remington’s life and work before the sale.

About Frederic Remington

An artist known for his depictions of the American West, Frederic Remington was born in 1861. His early years were remarkably happy and active, filled with outdoor activities and loving attention from his parents. Remington pursued art in college but had little interest in studying formal techniques. His strength was in action drawing. The artist carried that skill with him on trips west, where he encountered Native Americans, cowboys, and a rugged landscape. The scenes fascinated him. 

Remington began publishing depictions of the American West in national newspapers, feeding a rising appetite for romanticized depictions of the West. He accepted commissions from newspapers, magazines, and figures like Theodore Roosevelt. Remington was soon counted among the most famous and popular painters of his era. 

Frederic Remington Paintings

Frederic Remington paintings are recognized for their sense of movement and Impressionistic brushstrokes. And unlike many of his contemporaries, Remington prioritized action scenes with people and animals over depictions of the West’s awe-inspiring landscape. As an illustrator for magazines and newspapers, Remington was keenly aware of the viewer’s eye and the need for sustained visual interest. He occasionally took artistic liberties with his subject matter, colors, and other details to maintain the region’s mystery and myths. 

Some of Remington’s paintings were rendered in black and white for commercial reproduction. One example of his grisaille work will be offered in the 2024 Coeur d’Alene Art Auction. Boots and Saddles from circa 1890 is an oil on canvas depiction of several soldiers preparing their horses for a ride (lot #202). The scene is set in the aftermath of the American Civil War, when groups of war volunteers were sent west to combat Native American attacks. It is presented with a pre-sale estimate of USD 300,000 to $500,000. 

Frederic Remington Sculptures

Frederic Remington began exploring sculpture during the 1890s to supplement his painting practice. At first, the works were not received positively by critics. Remington nevertheless persisted and eventually adopted the lost wax method. This technique allowed for greater detail and control over the finished sculpture. Remington turned toward sculpture full-time in his later career, coming to despise the commercial paintings that he had once created for magazines.

Several notable cast bronze sculptures by Frederic Remington will cross the auction block this July with Coeur d’Alene. These works, which place cowboys atop rearing horses, were among Remington’s most popular creations. The artist started working on The Rattlesnake in the early 1900s and copyrighted the design in 1905. An energetic work, this delicately balanced piece depicts a horse rearing away from a snake. Its rider grabs his hat, prepared to throw it off and cover the offending serpent. The available casting of The Rattlesnake has an estimate of $200,000 to $300,000 (lot #137).

Also offered is Remington’s The Broncho Buster, his first major sculptural work (lot #242). The artist based the figure on several earlier sketches. The compelling figurine became one of his most famous and popular works, with one casting eventually being gifted to Theodore Roosevelt by the Rough Riders in 1898. The offered casting of The Broncho Buster has an estimate of $100,000 to $150,000. 

The 2024 Fine Western & American Art sale from Coeur d’Alene Art Auction will begin at 2:00 PM EDT on July 27, 2024. To browse the complete auction catalog and register to bid online, visit Bidsquare.

For more coverage of this event, visit Auction Daily.