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Currier & Ives "Life on the Prairie", 1862 AF Tait

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 2,000.00 USD
Currier & Ives  Life on the Prairie , 1862 AF Tait
Featured in this lot is an Original Large Folio Hand-coloured Framed Lithograph, "Life On The Prairie", after A. F. Tait, New York, Published by Currier & Ives, 152 Nassau ST circa 1862. "Life on the Prairie: The Trappers Defence, "Fire Fight Fire", Entered According To Act Of Congress In The Year 1862, By Currier & Ives, In The Clerk's Office Of The District Court Of The United States For The Southern District Of New York". Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait was a British-American artist who is known mostly for his paintings of wildlife. During a large part of his career, he was associated with the New York City art scene. Although he never visited the American West, he was inspired by the art of George Catlin and Karl Bodmer. Tait collaborated on a lithograph series of western subjects for Nathaniel Currier, who eventually commissioned Tait alone to provide pictures of animals in rural and wilderness settings. The great popularity of these lithographs boosted Tait's reputation as an painter, leading to additional prints published by Currier & Ives, including this one, which capitalized on the public's appetite for images of rugged American frontier life which was so different from what an East Coast city dweller experienced. This print exemplifies Tait's skill in vividly rendering naturalistic detail and visual storytelling. This hand-colored lithograph, printed from two stones, is in very nice condition with creases noted along borders. The hardwood gold gilt trim matted frame is in good condition, scuffing noted to frame edges, but no other obvious marring observed. Visible art measures 20.5"W x 27.5"L, and the frame is 32.75"W x 39.75"L.*