Oil Portrait Painting Wild West Buffalo Bill William Frederick Cody on Grey Horse After Rosa Bonheur

Details

Description

Wild West Buffalo Bill on Grey Horseback
After Rosa Bonheur’s Celebrated Portrait of William Frederick Cody
Mid 20th Century Oil … Read more Wild West Buffalo Bill on Grey Horseback
After Rosa Bonheur’s Celebrated Portrait of William Frederick Cody
Mid 20th Century Oil on Canvas | Framed Western Americana Equestrian Painting
A striking mid 20th century oil on canvas portrait depicting the legendary American frontiersman William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody mounted upon a pale grey horse, inspired by the celebrated 1889 equestrian composition by renowned French Realist painter Rosa Bonheur.

Rich in atmosphere and romantic frontier imagery, this impressive Western Americana painting beautifully captures the enduring mythology of the American West. Presented in an ornate gilt frame, the work combines strong decorative appeal with fascinating historical provenance.

Buffalo Bill became one of the most iconic figures of the 19th century through his internationally acclaimed Wild West shows, which toured Europe during the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle. It was during this celebrated tour that Rosa Bonheur famously painted Cody on horseback — a composition that remains one of the defining artistic portrayals of the American frontier.

Details
Type
Oil on canvas
Subject
Buffalo Bill Cody on horseback
Style
Western Americana | Equestrian | Romantic Realism
Frame
Presented in an attractive gilt frame
Signed
Unsigned

Date
Mid 20th century

Artistic Composition
The composition portrays Buffalo Bill in heroic equestrian format, confidently seated against an atmospheric landscape backdrop. The luminous pale grey horse forms the visual focal point, contrasting elegantly against the softer earth-toned surroundings.
Expressive brushwork is visible throughout, particularly within the horse’s mane, saddle detailing, and costume elements. The painting recalls the romantic realism associated with classic late 19th century equestrian portraiture and traditional cowboy art.

Its balanced palette and timeless subject matter make it an ideal statement piece for:

Western interiors
Ranch and lodge décor
Country house interiors
Americana collections
Eclectic and traditional spaces
Historical Background
This work derives from one of the most celebrated encounters between European fine art and the American frontier.
During Buffalo Bill Cody’s hugely successful Paris appearances in 1889, famed French artist Rosa Bonheur visited the Wild West encampment to sketch the performers, horses, and Native American participants. Cody later visited Bonheur at her Château de By near Fontainebleau, where she painted the renowned portrait upon which this work is based.

For European audiences of the late 19th century, Buffalo Bill symbolised:

Frontier independence
Adventure and exploration
Freedom and spectacle
The mythology of the American West
The original Rosa Bonheur portrait is now held in the Whitney Western Art Museum, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody, Wyoming.
About Rosa Bonheur (1822–1899)
Rosa Bonheur remains one of the most celebrated animal painters in European art history and one of the most successful female artists of the 19th century.
Associated with the French Realist movement, she achieved international acclaim through masterpieces including The Horse Fair, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Bonheur was admired internationally for:

Exceptional understanding of animal anatomy
Highly detailed equestrian studies
Masterful realism and movement
Her pioneering role in 19th century art history
This painting stands as a later decorative interpretation inspired by her celebrated Buffalo Bill composition.

Dimensions
Canvas
Approx. 38 cm × 28 cm
Framed
Height: 50.5 cm
Width: 40.5 cm
Depth: 4 cm
Provenance
Private Collection
Reeman Dansie Timed Auction, Essex
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Privately loaned and exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, April 2026

Condition Report
Presented in good decorative condition overall with age-related wear consistent with age and handling.
Minor surface wear and light craquelure present
Canvas has slightly relaxed over time and would benefit from gentle professional re-stretching
Gilt frame displays expected age-related wear and minor losses
Overall, an attractive and display-ready example of Western Americana artwork.

Why Collectors Love It
Classic Buffalo Bill Western Americana subject
Inspired by the famous Rosa Bonheur portrait
Strong decorative equestrian presence
Wonderful blend of American frontier history and European artistry
Ideal for collectors of cowboy art, Americana, and equestrian paintings
Professionally curated and exhibited
Ready to display in an ornate gilt frame See less