If we are to name one thing where the adage “your imagination is your only limit” fits perfectly, it has to be painting. This is something that an artist loosens out and expresses what he believes without any fear of non-recognition or failure.
Art is a highly subjective area. This is one of the best platforms to preach and realize the freedom of expression. Just like any other aspect or subject, painters throughout time have taken a keen interest in painting buffaloes onto their canvas.
Some have taken them as a symbol of strength and power while others depict the buffaloes as a wonder of nature and as a blessing. In some paintings, you will see buffaloes rebelling with all their might showing their true power to move ahead without any fear.
Some of the most amazing animal painters include the likes of George Stubbs, Frans Synders, Antoine-Louis Barye, William Lewin, Albert Bierstadt, Charles Marion Russell, George Catlin, Wilhelm Kuhnert, among others. In this article, we will list out some notable buffalo paintings and talk some more about the artists who created them.
Famous Buffalo Paintings
Buffalo on the Plains – Albert Bierstadt
A great painter and a follower of the Hudson River School, Albert was one of the greatest artists with an inclination to depict the wonders of the American West. His painting, Buffalo on the Plains is one such effort to show the serenity of the West landscapes and their love for the green cover.
The painting shows a group of buffaloes relaxing under the sky with green cover all around them. The background in the mountains makes the entire scene look even more authentic and realistic.
Albert loved the mountains and that is why we can see mountains in most of his paintings. This scenery is a scene between mother nature and her children showed in all their glory.
When the Land Belonged to the God – Charles M. Russell
When the Land Belonged to God painting is a message to those who selfishly lay claim to all the riches and wonders of nature. It is a scene that was earlier habitual around the Missouri River.
A large herd of bison and buffaloes passing through the stream and coming up the hill while dominating the central part of the frame. At the back, there is an endless trail of these mighty beasts.
The leading buffaloes have paused with their eyes gawking at the spectator as if they are expressing and saying, “look what have you done to the Earth.” This was relevant at the time because this breed of buffaloes was extinct. The painting was a commission given to Charles by the Montana Club.
An African Buffalo – Wilhelm Kuhnert
Wilhelm Kuhnert was another of the great painters and loved to paint animals. Along with An African Buffalo, his other paintings like a Tiger with its Prey and Deer in a Forest have also got a lot of recognition.
The painting, ‘An African Buffalo’ shows the true character of a buffalo, rugged, strong-willed, aggressive, and untamable. The painter has shown the beast in its true form standing alone between an open stubble of hay.
In the background, there are trees with no leaves. The entire is trying to say that sometimes, we may come across situations that are not easy or favorable. But we must stay abreast and move ahead without fear. The painter used a buffalo to motivate and help people introspect their situation before making another decision.
The Last of Buffalo – Albert Bierstadt
Another one of Albert’s masterpieces, this painting was the final print of the western painting. Currently, this painting is glorifying the halls of the National Gallery of Art Collection. The entire scene is a great mix of some of the West’s greatest topographical features.
We can see the Great Plains, Lake Lucerne, golden meadow, and other such features. This painting too is a representation of the plight of the buffaloes back in the time and trying to send a message about poaching and killing them for fun or food.
The time when ALbert created this painting, the buffaloes were on the verge of extinction and the picture showed someone killing the buffalo and another lying still on the ground. Yes, the buffaloes are fighting for their right to live but there is a pack of hunters following the leading hunter. It all went downhill for the buffaloes from this point onwards.
Buffalo Hunt Surrounded – George Catlin
Painted by George Catlin, the traveler cum painter and an author who is known globally for his paintings based on various indigenous themes. It is said that while traveling he visited more than 50 tribes and his paintings were a result of his travel experiences.
But due to his tight financial situation, George was forced to sell the paintings and started to recreate them. This led to producing 400 paintings in a short time span. The painting Buffalo Hunt is again another artist’s expression of the brutality and killing of the beautiful beasts.
Conclusion
Initially, these paintings may not seem like much to some people, but in true sense, these sort of paintings push forward a message that cannot be explained with words. The buffalo painters need to have a love for these animals to paint them in their full glory and beauty. Having a painting that depicts the buffaloes is good to hang around the office as they show confidence and compassion.
Lucas Noah, armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Information & Technology, stands as a prominent figure in the realm of tech journalism. Currently holding the position of Senior Admin, Lucas contributes his expertise to two esteemed companies: OceanaExpress LLC and CreativeOutrank LLC. His... Read more