A fascinating piece of folk art, this painting has an incredible amount of intricate details, from the weeping moon in the sky to the cross-shaped snowflakes. The painting appears to have been based on a trading card dating to 1926 and looks to be approximately the same age as the card.
The painting features John C. Fremont a little left of center, arm raised with hat in hand, while in the other hand he firmly clasps a pole bearing an American flag. Fremont had the nickname "the Pathfinder of the Rockies" because of the many expeditions he led through the great Rocky Mountains.
The trading card this painting was based on was issued in 1926 by Interstate News Service in New York to commemorate Fremont's amazing accomplishment of successfully measuring a high mountain by barometer for the first time. Never in history had anyone tried to measure an American mountain's altitude with a barometer.
Fremont had climbed the 14,000-foot peak in the Wind River Chain of the Rocky Mountains on August 15, 1842, in order to obtain the measurement and make history. Fremont's measurements remain accurate and valid to this day.
A very special thank you to Mr. Bob Graham who has studied Fremont extensively and who provided information and guidance, as well as locating the trading card that was the basis for the painting.
John C. Fremont Framed Painting
**9 1/4 inches wide, 11 1/4 inches tall**
**An unusual piece, both for the subject matter and for the media used**
**Painting shows John C. Fremont and his men successfully reaching the peak of what Fremont called "Snow Mountain" but later was named "Fremont Peak" in the Wind River Range of the Rocky Mountains**
**Based on Trading Card No 85, "Fremont-the Pathfinder of the Rockies," issued in 1926 by the Interstate News Service, New York**
**If you look closely at the moon, a second moon (perhaps the artist's first try?) is curved behind the more obvious bright white moon**
**This extraordinary piece of folk art was painted on the back of a square of linoleum. The painting seems to have been done in oils, but it is possible the paint is acrylic. The fabric backing of the linoleum gives the painting added dimension and texture**
*Throughout history, when artists have lacked canvas to paint on, they have used a wide variety of medium**
**Linoleum was invented in 1860. It was manufactured by applying solidified linseed oil, pine rosin, ground cork dust, wood flour and mineral fillers (such as calcium carbonate) to burlap or canvas. It wasn't until the 1950s that Linoleum started being superseded by other floor products.**
**The painting remains as it was found. The frame is a simple ridged black wood frame. The painting is held into the frame by what appears to be masking tape.**
**Examination of this piece was limited to only what was apparent without removing it from the frame so as to maintain its original condition**
**Excellent condition**
**Along the bottom of the painting is: "John C. Fremont, VIII, 15.1842, Century Life, J Sil (A or 7 or 9, it's very hard to determine which the artist meant), there also appears to be "35" in white. Underneath is "But their soul goes marching on", which perhaps is a reference to the times that Fremont's expeditions were not so successful and people died. There also appears to be a white "N", painted over in red beside the word "on". **
A truly unusual folk art find!
Please ask any questions you may have about this piece prior to purchase as there will be no returns accepted. Item is sold "as is" with no warranties or guarantees implied.
B-81080267
