What defines traditional equestrian portrait paintings?

Equestrian portraits focus on depicting horses and riders, often highlighting narrative, military, or sporting subjects within rural landscapes. The style gained popularity from the Renaissance onward, emphasizing realistic proportions, equine anatomy, and detailed attire.

What materials were traditionally used in mid-century oil paintings?

Mid-20th-century oil paintings were typically executed using oil-based pigments applied to stretched linen or cotton canvas. Frames were commonly constructed from carved or moulded wood finished with gesso, gold leaf, or bronzed gilding.

How can you identify authentic mid-century oil paintings?

Authentic pieces display characteristic signs of age, including natural craquelure in the paint layer, slight discolouration of the varnish, and age-related oxidisation on the canvas backing or stretcher bars. Inspecting brushwork depth and frame construction can also help confirm period authenticity.

How do you style an equestrian oil portrait in a modern interior?

Equestrian portraits function well as focal points above a mantelpiece, console table, or within a curated gallery wall. Pairing framed oil artwork with warm timber furniture, dark leathers, and metallic accents creates a balanced, classic interior scheme.

How should vintage oil paintings on canvas be cared for?

Oil paintings should be displayed away from direct sunlight, extreme humidity, and heat sources to prevent cracking or warping. Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry microfibre brush, and avoid using liquid cleaners or water directly on the canvas.

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Mid Century Equestrian Painting

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Mid Century Oil Portrait Painting Buffalo Bill on Grey Horse

Name: Mid Century Oil Portrait Painting Buffalo Bill on Grey Horse
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1215548
Price: 5950 GBP
Availability: InStock

1940 - 1960

For Sale by Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Description

Buffalo Bill on Grey Horseback After Rosa Bonheur

Mid 20th Century Oil on Canvas Portrait of William Frederick Cody, Western Americana Equestrian Painting

A highly decorative mid 20th century oil on canvas portrait depicting the legendary American frontiersman William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody mounted upon a pale grey horse, after the celebrated 1889 composition by renowned French Realist artist Rosa Bonheur.

This striking Western Americana painting captures the enduring mythology of the American frontier and the romantic spirit of the Wild West. Presented in an ornate gilt frame, the work offers strong visual impact and timeless equestrian appeal, making it ideal for traditional, country house, ranch, lodge, or eclectic interiors.

Buffalo Bill Cody became one of the most famous figures of the 19th century through his internationally acclaimed Wild West shows, which toured Europe during the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1889. It was during this celebrated Paris tour that Rosa Bonheur produced her famous equestrian portrait of Cody on horseback, which inspired this later interpretation.

Composition & Artistic Detail

The composition portrays Buffalo Bill in heroic equestrian form, seated confidently upon a pale grey horse within an atmospheric landscape setting. The luminous horse forms the central focal point, contrasting beautifully against the softer earth-toned background.

Expressive brushwork is visible throughout, particularly within the horse’s mane, costume detailing, and saddle work. The painting reflects the romantic realism associated with late 19th century equestrian portraiture and classic cowboy art.

The balanced composition and restrained palette give the work excellent decorative versatility and authentic Western character.

Unsigned attributed to an American school artist.

Historical Background

This image derives from one of the most celebrated artistic encounters between Europe and the American West. During Buffalo Bill Cody’s enormously successful Paris appearances in 1889, Rosa Bonheur visited the Wild West encampment to sketch performers, horses, and Native American participants. Cody later visited Bonheur at her Château de By near Fontainebleau, where she painted the original portrait upon which this work is based.

This painting stands as a later mid 20th century interpretation after her celebrated Buffalo Bill composition.

Dimensions

Canvas Size:

Approx. 38 cm x 28 cm

Framed Size:

Height: 50.5 cm

Width: 40.5 cm

Depth: 4 cm

Frame

Presented in an attractive gilt frame which complements the historical Western subject matter beautifully.

Signature

Unsigned.

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

The painting displays well overall with age-related surface wear, foxing stains, craquelure, and handling marks consistent with age. The canvas has lost some tension over time and would benefit from gentle professional re-stretching to improve tautness and presentation.

The gilt frame shows expected age-related wear and minor losses in places.

Overall, the work remains in good decorative condition and is ready for display.

A Superb Piece of Western Americana

A charming and highly decorative Buffalo Bill equestrian portrait inspired by one of the most iconic Western paintings of the late 19th century. An excellent acquisition for collectors of cowboy art, Americana, equestrian paintings, frontier history, and decorative historical interiors.

Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe international delivery.

Explore Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD for more carefully curated fine art, antiques, and historical treasures.

Physical Dimensions

Height

50.5cm (19.88")

Width

40.5cm (15.94")

Depth

4cm (1.57")

Declaration

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Equestrian Portrait Oil Painting to the 1960s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1215548

Dealers Internal Reference

CAC-SK-0477

Dealers Notes

Delivery shipping information

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Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art & Antique pieces which we sell.

We bespoke pack & wrap extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in great as described condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items which can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approximate. 2-5 working days for the United Kingdom mainland & International delivery between 5-14 working days.

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Description

Buffalo Bill on Grey Horseback After Rosa Bonheur

“

Mid 20th Century Oil on Canvas Portrait of William Frederick Cody, Western Americana Equestrian Painting.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

A highly decorative mid 20th century oil on canvas portrait depicting the legendary American frontiersman William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody mounted upon a pale grey horse, after the celebrated 1889 composition by renowned French Realist artist Rosa Bonheur.

fig 1. An oil painting depicting a man in a hat and buckskin jacket riding a grey horse along a rural path, set within an ornate gilded wooden frame. — fig 1. Mid Century Oil Portrait Painting Buffalo Bill on Grey Horse

This striking Western Americana painting captures the enduring mythology of the American frontier and the romantic spirit of the Wild West. Presented in an ornate gilt frame, the work offers strong visual impact and timeless equestrian appeal, making it ideal for traditional, country house, ranch, lodge, or eclectic interiors.

fig 2. An oil painting depicting a man in a hat and buckskin jacket riding a grey horse along a rural path, set within an ornate gilded wooden frame. — fig 2. Mid Century Oil Portrait Painting Buffalo Bill on Grey Horse

Buffalo Bill Cody became one of the most famous figures of the 19th century through his internationally acclaimed Wild West shows, which toured Europe during the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1889. It was during this celebrated Paris tour that Rosa Bonheur produced her famous equestrian portrait of Cody on horseback, which inspired this later interpretation.

fig 3. An oil painting depicting a man in a hat and buckskin jacket riding a grey horse along a rural path, set within an ornate gilded wooden frame. — fig 3. Mid Century Oil Portrait Painting Buffalo Bill on Grey Horse

Composition & Artistic Detail

The composition portrays Buffalo Bill in heroic equestrian form, seated confidently upon a pale grey horse within an atmospheric landscape setting. The luminous horse forms the central focal point, contrasting beautifully against the softer earth-toned background.

fig 4. An oil painting depicting a man in a hat and buckskin jacket riding a grey horse along a rural path, set within an ornate gilded wooden frame. — fig 4. Mid Century Oil Portrait Painting Buffalo Bill on Grey Horse

Expressive brushwork is visible throughout, particularly within the horse’s mane, costume detailing, and saddle work. The painting reflects the romantic realism associated with late 19th century equestrian portraiture and classic cowboy art.

fig 5. An oil painting depicting a man in a hat and buckskin jacket riding a grey horse along a rural path, set within an ornate gilded wooden frame. — fig 5. Mid Century Oil Portrait Painting Buffalo Bill on Grey Horse

The balanced composition and restrained palette give the work excellent decorative versatility and authentic Western character.

Unsigned attributed to an American school artist.

Historical Background

This image derives from one of the most celebrated artistic encounters between Europe and the American West. During Buffalo Bill Cody’s enormously successful Paris appearances in 1889, Rosa Bonheur visited the Wild West encampment to sketch performers, horses, and Native American participants. Cody later visited Bonheur at her Château de By near Fontainebleau, where she painted the original portrait upon which this work is based.

fig 6. An oil painting depicting a man in a hat and buckskin jacket riding a grey horse along a rural path, set within an ornate gilded wooden frame. — fig 6. Mid Century Oil Portrait Painting Buffalo Bill on Grey Horse

This painting stands as a later mid 20th century interpretation after her celebrated Buffalo Bill composition.

Dimensions

Canvas Size:

Approx. 38 cm x 28 cm

Framed Size:

Height: 50.5 cm

Width: 40.5 cm

Depth: 4 cm

Frame

Presented in an attractive gilt frame which complements the historical Western subject matter beautifully.

Signature

Unsigned.

Provenance

Private Collection

Reeman Dansie Timed Auction, Essex

Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

fig 8. An oil painting depicting a man in a hat and buckskin jacket riding a grey horse along a rural path, set within an ornate gilded wooden frame. — fig 8. Mid Century Oil Portrait Painting Buffalo Bill on Grey Horse

Privately loaned and exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, April 2026

Condition Report

The painting displays well overall with age-related surface wear, foxing stains, craquelure, and handling marks consistent with age. The canvas has lost some tension over time and would benefit from gentle professional re-stretching to improve tautness and presentation.

fig 9. An oil painting depicting a man in a hat and buckskin jacket riding a grey horse along a rural path, set within an ornate gilded wooden frame. — fig 9. Mid Century Oil Portrait Painting Buffalo Bill on Grey Horse

The gilt frame shows expected age-related wear and minor losses in places.

Overall, the work remains in good decorative condition and is ready for display.

A Superb Piece of Western Americana

A charming and highly decorative Buffalo Bill equestrian portrait inspired by one of the most iconic Western paintings of the late 19th century. An excellent acquisition for collectors of cowboy art, Americana, equestrian paintings, frontier history, and decorative historical interiors.