R. Farrington Elwell Oil on Academy Board Western Illustration "Prairie Fire"

Item Details

An original oil illustration on academy board by famed Western illustrator Robert Farrington Elwell (American, 1874-1962). The work was ostensibly titled Prairie Fire in its illustrated form, appearing on the cover of the December, 1933 issue of All Western Magazine. An image example of the magazine is included as a reference only, but a physical copy is not included with this listing. The work is signed and inscribed Arizona to the lower right. Housed in a period gilt and gesso frame.

R. Farrington Elwell was born in Boston, MA and received training in drafting, eventually working with the Boston Globe paper in his early career. A fated meeting with the larger-than-life William ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody when the Wild West show traveled to Boston changed his life. He became close friends with the showman, and through this connection became acquainted with many other popular Western artists.

In the early 20th century, many artists got a start by illustrating popular magazines and novels which pandered to Americans’ infatuation with the American West. Elwell illustrated numerous novels, short stories, and pulp magazines. He worked with All Western Magazine throughout the 1930s, and this example was a cover (illustrated here), but did not illustrate a particular story for that issue. Covers were the pinnacle accomplishment for illustrators, and Elwell made several throughout the early 20th century.

Condition

- only very light scuffing to the extreme perimeter of the board, otherwise in a fine state of preservation; a top example by the artist and a rare opportunity.

Dimensions

- measurements include frame; painting measures 16" W x 20" H.

Item #

17ATL123-052