John J. Scott (American, 1919-2016). "Pony Express Chase" oil on board, 1969. Artist's signature, ram symbol, and date on lower right. A wonderful painting by American artist John Scott. Inspired by the legendary Pony Express, Scott depicted a horse and rider racing across desert lands of the Southwest with buttes rising in the distance and wide open skies above. Pony Express riders rode in relays to deliver mail, newspapers, and messages between Missouri and California from April 3, 1860 to October 26, 1861 - reducing delivery time between the Atlantic and the Pacific by approximately 10 days. In this painting, Scott captures the adventurous spirit of the Pony Express as well as the romantic nature of the American West popularized by the most famous Pony Express rider William "Buffalo Bill" Cody and his Wild West Show. A special painting by John Scott - fascinating for its folkloric as well as historic roots and set in a charming wooden frame that was handmade by Scott. Size of painting: 15.75" L x 24" W (40 cm x 61 cm) Size of frame: 23" L x 31" W (58.4 cm x 78.7 cm)

Prior to the invention of the telegraph, the Pony Express was the most direct means of communication between the East and the West in the United States. Unfortunately, the system went bankrupt in 18 months time. By then, the telegraph provided faster service. Nevertheless, the Pony Express would become a special piece of Western lore inspiring many works of art, literature, and material culture that captured the romanticism as well as the determination of frontier times. Buffalo Bill Cody was perhaps the most famous Pony Express rider, inspiring many legends. Eventually part of Slade's Division in Wyoming, he purportedly completed the longest nonstop ride from Red Buttes Station to Rocky Ridge Station and back, when he surprisingly discovered that his relief rider had been killed. Interestingly, Pony Express horses also displayed remarkable endurance, galloping about 15 miles between stations before being relieved from their strenuous runs by a fresh steed.

John Scott was an American artist of Scottish heritage. He lived in a log cabin in the woods of Kittredge, Colorado that he built from the ground up and created sculptures and paintings inspired by the wildlife and scenery of Colorado and Wyoming. According to his wife Dorothy, "He was always working and always looking for something to throw himself into completely." Of note, John was immensely proud of his Scottish heritage, learned to play the bag pipes, and wore his Clan Scott tartan kilt. John was also an avid hunter of large game in Colorado and Wyoming as well as British Columbia and Alaska.

Not only did John build his log cabin which he called "Brig-O-Doon" - he also built and operated his own studio and foundry. Indeed, John's passion for his chosen profession was boundless; in his words, "Art is a monster that sweeps over me and it seems I never satisfy that creative spirit."

A little note on John Scott's signature ram symbol: Scott was greatly inspired by Charles Marion Russell whose emblem was a buffalo skull symbolizing his strong connection to the American West. Following in Russell's footsteps, Scott chose the ram as his symbol, because the Rocky Mountain bighorn ram with its massive curling horns is the state animal of his beloved Colorado. John Scott loved his homeland and his art has been exhibited throughout the American Southwest and beyond in reputable galleries of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Nevada, and California.

Provenance: private John J. Scott Collection, Kittredge, Colorado, USA, acquired from the late John J. Scott

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#170209

Artist's signature, ram symbol, and date (4/69) on lower right. Painting is excellent save minute stains here and there that are difficult to see. Frame was made by the artist as well from wooden planks harvested on his land in Colorado. Wired for suspension and ready to display.