The Fall of the Cowboy
The painting The Fall of the Cowboy by Frederic Remington is a poignant and powerful work that captures the essence of the American West. Created in 1895, this oil on canvas piece measures 89 x 63 cm and is housed at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The painting is a black and white representation of cowboys in the snow, with three men visible in the scene, and two horses prominently featured.
To learn more about the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, visit /art/list/?Filter=amon+carter+museum+of+american+art.
Artistic Significance
The painting's composition is characterized by a monochromatic palette, quiet winter setting, and minimal movement, evoking nostalgia about the end of the era of the cowboy. Remington's use of muted tones creates a somber mood, while his choice of subject matter - two cowboys tending to the gate of a barbed wire fence - highlights the passing of an age. The introduction of barbed wire fencing in the 1870s rendered much of cowboy life obsolete, and Remington's painting is a testament to this significant change. Key Features:- The painting's use of muted tones and monochromatic palette creates a somber mood
- The introduction of barbed wire fencing highlights the passing of an age
- The composition features two cowboys tending to the gate of a barbed wire fence, with two horses prominently featured
Artist and Museum
Frederic Remington was a renowned American artist known for his vivid depictions of cowboys, Native Americans, and the U.S. Cavalry in the late 19th century. The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is a premier institution dedicated to showcasing American art, with a collection that includes works by Remington and other notable artists. For more information on Remington's works, visit /art/list/?Filter=D3YLJ3-Frederic-Remington-The-Fall-of-the-Cowboy.To learn more about the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, visit /art/list/?Filter=amon+carter+museum+of+american+art.
Frederic Remington (1861 – 1909)
Explore the captivating world of Frederic Remington (1861-1909), master of Western American art! Discover iconic paintings of cowboys, Native Americans & frontier life – a true American legend.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art (Fort Worth, United States of America)
Discover American art at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art! Explore masterpieces by Remington & Russell, plus photography & 19th/20th-century works. Free admission!
About this artwork
- Title: The Fall of the Cowboy
- Artist: Frederic Remington
- Year: 1895
- Format: Landscape
- Copyright status: Public domain
- Where to see it: Amon Carter Museum of American Art
- Medium: Oil On Canvas
- Period: 19th Century
- Creative period: Late Period
- Main color: Gray
Quick Facts
- Subject or theme: Cowboys, winter scene
- Location: Amon Carter Museum
- Artistic style: American West art
- Title: The Fall of the Cowboy
- Notable elements: Barbed wire, monochrome
- Year: 1895
- Influences: Remington Arms


