Western America
"CUSTER'S LAST FIGHT" Huge Framed Color Lithograph
c. early 1900s Turn-of-the-Century, Massive Color Lithograph titled, "CUSTER'S LAST FIGHT", after the painting by Cassilly Adams, circa 1900 Vintage, 40" x 30", Period Framed, Fine.
This large lithograph, measuring about 40" x 30" is one of the most famous images ever made. Framed, but not under glass, in an likely contemporary ornate wooden frame, to an overall size of 43.5" x 34.5" as shown. This example having some surfaces scuffs and scattered flyspecks, still presenting an impressive appearance for display. First distributed since they debuted in 1896, this print is based on a painting by Cassilly Adams that shows the artist's vision of how the infamous Battle of Little Big Horn.
Cassilly Adams, the artist, not having witnessed the actual event, basing his work on later recollections by some of the participants and was left with some factual errors. For instance, Custer had cut his long locks the night before the battle, nor would he have been wielding a saber as is shown in the painting. Regardless of any factual errors, this print was extremely popular with saloon and bar owners. The story goes that August Busch acquired the original painting (and an accompanying saloon), as payment for an outstanding beer bill of $35,000. Busch commissioned a copy made in 1896, and turned it into this famous print. It was distributed across the country to promote his beer business. This example appears to be a 5th generation produced circa early 1900s. Sadly, the original painting, on which this remarkable print is based, was destroyed, burned in a fire in 1946.
According to researchers, there are eleven different versions of this print, all of which can be discerned based on size. At roughly 40" x 30", this print offered here could have been made anytime from 1913 to 1936. All subsequent versions are less tall and wide. *Shipping and insurance cost on this will be added and should be considered.