Framed Print of 'The End of the Trail' (James Earle Fraser)
Other: Framed Art / Home Accessory · Transitional / Arts and Crafts Era (Original piece designed in 1894; popular 1915-1930s) · Art after James Earle Fraser; likely produced by a print house like Reinthal & Newman or similar commercial publishers.
Type
Other: Framed Art / Home Accessory
Style Period
Transitional / Arts and Crafts Era (Original piece designed in 1894; popular 1915-1930s)
Material
Wood frame, glass glazing, paper lithograph, and backing board.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920–1940 based on the frame style and the peak popularity of this specific lithograph.
Dimensions
Estimated 10 x 12 inches (25 x 30 cm), a common size for household prints of this period.
Origin
United States; this specific image became an iconic American symbol following the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
Designer/Maker
Art after James Earle Fraser; likely produced by a print house like Reinthal & Newman or similar commercial publishers.
Value Estimate
$30.00 – $75.00 (General market retail value for common period prints in original frames).
Description
A classic framed lithographic print representing James Earle Fraser’s famous sculpture 'The End of the Trail.' It depicts an exhausted Native American man on a weary horse, head bowed against the wind. It is housed in a period-appropriate textured wooden frame.
Key Features
Solemn iconography, reeded metallic frame, muted sky-scape background, and the specific posture of the spear-holding rider.
Color & Finish
Gilded or metallic bronze-finish wood frame with a patinated greenish-gold hue; the print features muted sepia, grey, and orange sunset tones.
Construction Method
Factory-produced wooden molding with mitered corners and mechanical fasteners.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Standard mitered joinery for commercial picture frames; basic mass-market craftsmanship typical of early 20th-century home decor.
Wood Grain & Species
Softwood (likely pine or poplar) used for the frame, obscured by a gesso and paint finish.
Surface Treatment
Ribbed or reeded texture on the frame molding with a metallic paint applied over a base coat to simulate age.
Upholstery Details
None
Hardware & Fittings
Potential wire or eye-hook hanging hardware on reverse; mitered frame corners secured with V-nails or small brads.
Origin & Provenance
United States; this specific image became an iconic American symbol following the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible nicks on the top edge of the frame; slight cloudiness under the glass suggesting age or dust ingress; the print appears to have some foxing or moisture-related rippling.
Interesting Facts
The sculpture this print is based on was intended to represent the suffering of Indigenous peoples, though it has since become one of the most widely reproduced images in American art history.
Cultural Significance
A poignant symbol of the American West and the historical displacement of Native American tribes; a staple of early 20th-century American middle-class home interior design.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Frederic Remington prints; however, Fraser's work is distinguished by its singular, monumental focus on the exhausted rider rather than action scenes.
Care & Maintenance
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the ink; clean glass with a lint-free cloth dampened with water/vinegar (avoid spraying directly on the glass); preserve in a low-humidity environment.
Value Estimate
$30.00 – $75.00 (General market retail value for common period prints in original frames).
Sustainability Notes
Represents an antique/vintage object, which is inherently sustainable as a 'circular' product requiring no new raw materials for current use.