Artwork

First and Best Camp of the Trip

First and Best Camp of the Trip, by Frederic Remington, oil, 1895
First and Best Camp of the Trip, by Frederic Remington, oil, 1895

First and Best Camp of the Trip is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Frederic Remington. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

First and Best Camp of the Trip is a 1895 oil on canvas painting by Frederic Remington, held at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene cowboy campsite at night, with figures relaxing around a campfire under a vast sky. The scene conveys a sense of warmth and fatigue, contrasting with the cold desert environment.

Technique & Style

Remington employed impasto, using thick, textured brushstrokes to create a vivid representation of the fire's glow, adding depth to the nocturnal scene.

History & Provenance

The artwork was created from Remington's memory of a real trip out West, reflecting his interest in capturing quiet, introspective moments in his compositions.

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.