Whipping in a Straggler Frederick Remington (1861-1909)

The drawing presents a dynamic scene centered around a mounted figure and a canine companion, set against a backdrop that suggests open terrain. The artist employed ink washes and pen strokes to create a sense of movement and immediacy.
Here we see a rider on horseback dominating the composition’s central space. The horse is rendered in energetic lines, its body angled sharply as it gallops forward. The rider, partially obscured by the animals form, holds reins and a whip, suggesting an act of control or correction. A palpable tension emanates from the posture of the horse, which appears to be reacting to the application of force.
To the left, a dog is depicted in mid-stride, seemingly pursuing the same direction as the rider and horse. The animal’s form is less detailed than that of the horse, but its forward momentum contributes to the overall sense of urgency within the scene.
The artists use of light and shadow creates depth and emphasizes the muscularity of both animals. The limited color palette – primarily browns and tans – reinforces a feeling of ruggedness and harshness. The background is left largely undefined, which directs the viewer’s attention to the action unfolding in the foreground.
Subtly embedded within this depiction are implications about power dynamics and control. The riders position atop the horse, coupled with the use of the whip, suggests a hierarchical relationship between humans and animals, as well as an assertion of dominance over nature. The dog’s pursuit could be interpreted as either assisting in the enforcement of order or simply participating in the shared energy of the chase.
The drawings style – characterized by loose lines and expressive brushwork – evokes a sense of spontaneity and immediacy, capturing a fleeting moment of action within an undefined landscape.