Description

Title: Oil Portrait Of Wild West Buffalo Bill on Grey Horseback After Rosa Bonheur

Description: Wild West Oil Portrait Of Buffalo Bill on Grey Horseback After Rosa Bonheur

Wild West Buffalo Bill on Grey Horseback After Rosa Bonheur Celebrated Oil Portrait of William Frederick Cody

Subject and Medium

A striking circa mid 20th century oil on canvas portrait depicting the legendary American frontiersman William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody mounted upon a pale grey horse, inspired by the celebrated 1889 composition by the renowned French realist painter Rosa Bonheur.
Executed in oil on canvas and presented in an ornate gilt frame, the work beautifully captures the enduring romance, spectacle, and mythology of the American West.

Buffalo Bill became one of the most recognised figures of the 19th century through his internationally acclaimed Wild West performances, which toured Europe during the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1889. It was during this celebrated European tour that Rosa Bonheur painted her famous portrait of Cody on horseback.

Composition and Technique
The composition presents Buffalo Bill in heroic equestrian format, confidently seated against an atmospheric landscape. The pale grey horse forms the central visual focus, its luminous coat contrasting beautifully against the softer earth-toned surroundings.
Expressive yet controlled brushwork is evident throughout, particularly within the horse's mane, costume detailing, and saddle work. The composition recalls the romantic realism associated with late 19th-century equestrian portraiture and classic Western Americana painting.

The restrained palette and balanced structure create a highly decorative image equally suited to traditional, country house, lodge, ranch, or eclectic interiors.

Historical Context
This image derives from one of the most celebrated artistic encounters between Europe and the American frontier. During Buffalo Bill Cody's enormously successful Paris appearances in 1889, the famed French painter Rosa Bonheur visited the Wild West encampment to sketch the performers, horses, and Native American participants. Cody later visited Bonheur at her Château de By near Fontainebleau, where she painted the celebrated portrait upon which this work is based.
For European audiences of the late 19th century, Buffalo Bill embodied:

frontier independence,
adventure,
freedom,
and the mythology of the American West.
The original Rosa Bonheur portrait remains today within the Whitney Western Art Museum, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody, Wyoming.

Signed
The work is unsigned. Attributed to an mid 20th century American school artist

About the Artist
After Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899)
Rosa Bonheur was among the most celebrated artists of the 19th century and remains one of the greatest animal painters in European art history. Associated with the French Realist movement, she achieved international fame through masterpieces such as The Horse Fair, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
Bonheur was internationally admired for:

her extraordinary understanding of animal anatomy,
highly detailed equestrian studies,
and her pioneering role as one of the most successful female artists of the 19th century.
This work stands as a later mid 20th century painted interpretation of her celebrated Buffalo Bill composition.

Size
Canvas Size
Approximately 38 × 28 cm
Framed Size
Height: 50.5 cm
Width: 40.5 cm
Depth: 4 cm

Framed
Presented in an attractive gilt frame which beautifully complements the historical Western subject matter and enhances the painting's decorative presence.

Signed
The work is unsigned.

Provenance
Private Collection
Reeman Dansie Timed Auction, Essex

Privately loaned and exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, April 2026

Why You'll Love It
A captivating piece of Western Americana inspired by one of the most famous Buffalo Bill portraits ever created
Strong decorative impact with timeless equestrian and frontier appeal

A wonderful blend of American history, cowboy mythology, and European artistic influence

Inspired by the celebrated 1889 Rosa Bonheur composition held in Cody, Wyoming

Ideal for collectors of cowboy art, equestrian paintings, Americana, and historical interiors

Professionally curated and privately exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum in 2026

Beautiful mid 20th century decorative artwork ready for display

Presented in an attractive gilt frame with impressive visual presence

Condition Report
The painting displays attractively overall with age-related surface wear foxing stains and some craquelure commensurate with age and handling. With foxing stains, craquelure, and frame wear may be present consistent with a mid 20th century work of this nature.
The canvas has lost some tension over time and would benefit from a gentle professional re-stretching to improve tautness and presentation.

The gilt frame shows expected age-related wear and minor losses in places.

Overall presented in good decorative condition and ready for display.

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Reserve: $4,760.00

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Condition

Used

Buyer's Premium

20%

Oil Portrait Of Wild West Buffalo Bill on Grey Horseback After Rosa Bonheur

Name: Oil Portrait Of Wild West Buffalo Bill on Grey Horseback After Rosa Bonheur
SKU: 235701544
Price: 2200 USD
Availability: InStock