Artwork

First and Best Camp of the Trip

First and Best Camp of the Trip, by Frederic Remington, oil, 1898
First and Best Camp of the Trip, by Frederic Remington, oil, 1898

First and Best Camp of the Trip is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Frederic Remington. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

First and Best Camp of the Trip, an 1898 oil painting by Frederic Remington, depicts a nocturnal woodland camp scene. The work is part of the collection at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures a serene moment in a wilderness camp: one figure observes the surroundings through a spyglass, while another relaxes with a pipe, accompanied by a dog. The tranquil nighttime atmosphere conveys a sense of calm and contemplation.

Technique & Style

Remington employed loose, expressive brushstrokes, imbuing the scene with dynamic energy. The stark contrast between the illuminated fire, facial highlights, and the enveloping darkness exemplifies the dramatic use of chiaroscuro.

History & Provenance

Created in 1898, the painting is now held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, though specific details of its acquisition or earlier ownership are not provided here.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Frederic Remington

Artist

Frederic Remington

Frederic Sackrider Remington was an American painter, illustrator, sculptor, and writer who specialized in the genre of Western American Art.