One of the most significant works in the Denver Art Museum’s Western American art collection is The Cheyenne man racing on horseback, sculpted by Frederic Remington in 1901. A muscular rider can be seen leaning forward on his horse, holding a spear and a quirt while dressed in a loincloth and moccasins. This bronze sculpture was cast using the lost-wax technique with meticulous attention to detail resulting in highly textured surfaces.
It is worth noting that The Cheyenne was one of the first sculptures Remington conceived for casting exclusively at Roman Bronze Works. It represents his second model depicting an Indian and has since become one of his most famous works, capturing the essence of Native American life from a white man’s perspective.
The characterization of the rider is remarkable, portraying an idealized image of strength and agility on horseback. Apart from its historical significance as part of Western American artwork, it also serves as a testament to Remington’s exceptional talent for capturing action scenes accurately.
In summary, The Cheyenne man racing on horseback by Frederic Remington stands out as an iconic work that has made an immense contribution to Western American art history. Its precise depiction captures movement with great accuracy while highlighting indigenous cultures through realistic representation. Its texture adds further depth to its form, making it stand out even more as one of Remington’s crowning achievements.
