Fr 014 A Running Bucker FredericRemington sqs Frederick Remington (1861-1909)

The drawing captures a moment of intense action and precarious balance. Here we observe a figure on horseback, engaged in what appears to be a rodeo or similar equestrian contest. The rider is positioned high above the ground, seemingly thrown forward by the horses sudden movement. His body leans dramatically, his arm raised as if attempting to regain control or maintain equilibrium with a lasso held aloft.
The horse itself is rendered with considerable energy; its muscles are taut and straining, legs extended in a powerful arc that conveys both speed and instability. The artist has skillfully used line work to suggest the animal’s dynamic form – thick, dark strokes define the musculature while lighter lines indicate movement and texture. A palpable sense of struggle emanates from the horses posture.
The composition is dominated by diagonal lines, contributing to a feeling of dynamism and instability. The rider’s hat floats in mid-air, further emphasizing the chaotic nature of the scene. Below, a sparse suggestion of vegetation hints at an open landscape, but it remains secondary to the central drama unfolding above.
Beyond the literal depiction of a rodeo event, the drawing seems to explore themes of control versus chaos, man versus nature, and the inherent risk associated with taming wildness. The riders strained expression and precarious position suggest a confrontation with forces beyond his complete mastery. The lasso, an instrument typically used for restraint, is here held aloft as if it might be needed to prevent a catastrophic fall.
The monochromatic palette reinforces the starkness of the scene, focusing attention on form and movement rather than coloristic nuance. The artist’s signature in the lower right corner provides a subtle anchor within this otherwise turbulent visual field.