lrs Remington Frederic Cojuring Back the Buffalo Frederick Remington (1861-1909)

The composition presents a solitary figure positioned atop a mound composed entirely of animal skulls. The ground is rendered in earthy tones – ochre and burnt sienna – suggesting arid terrain or a bleached landscape. A dark, indigo sky dominates the upper portion of the scene, punctuated by scattered points of light that evoke a starry night.
The central figure is a man, presumably Native American, clad in minimal attire: a loincloth and elaborate leg coverings adorned with fringe. His skin tone appears bronzed, contrasting sharply with the darkness of his hair, which falls freely to his shoulders. He holds aloft a large buffalo skull, its horns curving dramatically upwards. The gesture seems ritualistic, perhaps an invocation or a plea directed towards the heavens.
The arrangement of the skulls at his feet is significant. They are not haphazardly scattered but appear deliberately placed, forming a visual base for the man’s elevated position. This suggests a connection between the figure and the loss represented by these remains – a symbolic link to a vanished abundance. The sheer number of skulls underscores the scale of the devastation.
The paintings subtexts revolve around themes of cultural displacement, environmental degradation, and spiritual resilience. Here we see a depiction of a people facing profound change, where traditional ways of life are threatened by external forces. The man’s posture – a mixture of defiance and supplication – hints at both resistance and vulnerability. The buffalo skull, once a vital resource for sustenance and culture, now serves as a stark reminder of what has been lost.
The artists use of color contributes to the overall mood. The somber tones of the sky and ground create an atmosphere of melancholy and foreboding, while the figure’s skin tone provides a focal point of vitality amidst the desolation. The limited palette reinforces the sense of isolation and hardship experienced by the depicted community. Ultimately, the work seems to explore the complex relationship between humanity, nature, and the enduring power of belief in the face of adversity.