Artwork
Fight for the Waterhole
Fight for the Waterhole is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Frederic Remington. It dates from 1903 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
About this work
Overview
Frederick Remington’s 1903 oil work, titled Fight for the Waterhole, depicts a tense standoff in a desert setting. Two figures lie prone in the dust, rifles trained on an unseen target, while a small herd of horses gathers beside a shallow pool. Distant mountains frame the scene, emphasizing the isolation of the landscape.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a moment of conflict over scarce water, a recurring theme in narratives of the American West. The men’s concealed positions and the waiting horses suggest a struggle for survival, highlighting the precarious balance between human ambition and the harsh environment.
Technique & Style
Rendered in warm, muted tones, the oil painting employs Remington’s characteristic brushwork to convey both the heat of the desert and the tension of the encounter. Broad washes define the distant mountains, while finer detail captures the texture of the dirt, the men’s wide‑brimmed hats, and the horses’ stillness.
History & Provenance
Created in 1903, Fight for the Waterhole entered the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, where it remains on view. The work reflects Remington’s later period, when his interest in historical scenes of frontier life intensified, and it has been part of the museum’s holdings since its acquisition in the mid‑20th century.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Frederic Sackrider Remington was an American painter, illustrator, sculptor, and writer who specialized in the genre of Western American Art.
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