Frederic Remington (American, 1861–1909)
The Mexican Major
INV-9791
Frederic Remington (American, 1861–1909)1889
The Mexican Major
Frederic Remington (American, 1861–1909) →paintingamerican arts
Date
1889
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
87 × 124.8 cm (34 1/4 × 49 1/8 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
George F. Harding Collection
Frederic Remington was greatly impressed by the Mexican army, which he observed during a six-week visit to Mexico in 1889 in preparation for an article in Harper’s Weekly magazine. The Mexican Major is an elaborate, multifigural composition, designed to convey the professionalism, discipline, and “immensely picturesque” appearance of the officer and his regiment. Remington enjoyed the soldiers' ornate costumes, and he emphasized these through the use of rhythmic, flashing colors and the depiction of brilliant light. The line of horsemen stretches off into the far distance—a sign of honor, strength, and dignity.
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